2 Family Dogs Die In Joliet House Fire Near The River

JOLIET, IL — Nobody was home at the time of Saturday night's house blaze along the west banks of the Des Plaines River canal that killed two family pets, according to Joliet Fire Department Battalion Chief Victor Stachelski.

The fire broke out at 10:56 p.m. at 513 N. Bluff Street.

According to the battalion chief:

• The Joliet Fire Department's first units arrived within four minutes of the call and were met with heavy smoke and fire coming from the rear of the two-story single family dwelling.
• Fire units heard a report of possible victims inside the structure. A search was conducted but no victims were found. The Joliet Police Department contacted the building's residents, who confirmed that no one was in the structure. Fire crews found two family dogs that died in the fire.
• Multiple hose lines were used inside to extinguish the fire. Other crews performed water supply, search, ventilation, salvage and overhaul, safety and support functions.
• The fire was declared under control at 11:23 p.m.
• Fire crews from stations 1, 4, 5, 6 and 8 responded to the scene. There were no injuries to report. The fire is currently under investigation, Stachelski noted.