Faulty Basement Dehumidifier Causes Plainfield House To Catch Fire: FD

PLAINFIELD, IL — A basement fire erupted at a Plainfield house Wednesday morning, causing "extensive smoke damage," officials said. Residents were able to evacuate to safety before crews arrived, officials said.

Fire companies responded to a large-story house in the 1400 block of South Glenbrook Circle at 7:37 a.m. Wednesday for a report of a basement fire. When firefighters arrived, they witnessed smoke showing from the brick home and found heavy smoke conditions in the basement, officials said.

After an investigation, fire crews determined the cause to be a faulty dehumidifier in the basement, according to Chief Jon Stratton.

Firefighters brought the flames under control "relatively quickly," but the home was extensively damaged from the smoke, officials said.

Red Cross was called to assist residents, who were also evaluated by EMS personnel on the scene but declined further treatment.

Crews from Naperville and Bolingbrook fire departments assisted at the house, while staff from Oswego, Troy, Romeoville and Minooka fire departments provided station coverage during the fire.