2 Dead In Huge Highland Park House Fire: Coroner

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — Two people were killed in a fire in Highland Park Wednesday morning. The fire was first reported by a neighbor around 1:15 a.m. at a two-story home in the 2000 block of Kipling Lane, authorities said. Fire crews arrived to find the house fully engulfed in flames and were notified that an elderly couple was known to live at the home.

Firefighters were unable at first to enter the scene due to the heavy smoke and flames. After surrounding the home and putting out the fire shortly before 3 a.m., emergency responders found the bodies of two people inside. Around 6 a.m., the coroner's office was notified and called to the scene, authorities said.

The two victims' identities were not immediately released pending autopsies and notifications of their family. Lake County Coroner Dr. Howard Cooper said he could not describe the scene or where the bodies was found. He told reporters his work was impacted by the intensity of the fire, but it appeared that only two people had died inside the home. Authorities later confirmed no one was inside.

The home is located in the High Ridge subdivision, to the east of the North Branch of the Chicago River and nearby Deerfield High School. A Highland Park Fire Department spokesperson said its roof collapsed and the home appeared to be a total loss, but neighboring properties were not affected.

“Through the collective efforts of Highland Park and neighboring fire departments, we were able to contain the fire,” Highland Park Fire Chief Larry Amidei said. “We are appreciative of the swift response and collaboration of all agencies involved and deeply saddened by the loss of life.”

Fire crews from Northfield, Wilmette, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, Countryside, Lake Forest, North Chicago, Deerfield-Bannockburn, Knollwood, Skokie and Glenview assisted.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Update: 1st Of 2 Highland Park House Fire Victims Identified