Three Cats, Several Residents Saved From Townhouse Fire; Teen Charged With Arson

GLEN ELLYN, IL - Authorities were able to quickly evacuate a townhouse fire last week, ensuring that all residents inside as well as their pets were safely out as they got to work battling the blaze. Meanwhile, a 13-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the blaze in the 400 block of Ramblewood Drive in Glen Ellyn on Sept. 15

The juvenile, who police said knew residents were still inside the building, is accused of starting the blaze at about 8:30 a.m. and then leaving the two-story building. The residence has four different units inside.

Glen Ellyn Police Department officers were in the area of the blaze at about 8:30 a.m. and discovered heavy smoke coming from the building, according to a Glen Ellyn Police Department press release. Police officers determined the smoke was coming from a fire in an upstairs unit.

Residents were quickly evacuated. Three cats were rescued and oxygen was administered to one. No one was injured and all the cats survived, according to a news release.

Firefighters initially attacked the fire from the rear and then made an interior attack. The fire was quickly controlled and contained to one unit, according to fire officials.

Police took the teen into custody near the location of the blaze, according to the news release. He was transported to the Kane County Juvenile Detention Facility and faces a charge of aggravated arson.

The fire is being investigated by the DuPage County Fire Investigation Task Force.

Glen Ellyn Fire was assisted by the Glen Ellyn Police and fire personnel from Addison, Carol Stream, Glenside, Lombard, Lisle-Woodridge, West Chicago, Bloomingdale,Naperville, Wheaton, Winfield, York Center, Downers Grove, and West Chicago.