Theatre Of Western Springs Damaged In Electrical Fire

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The Theatre of Western Springs was damaged in a fire Tuesday afternoon. Western Springs Fire Department responded to a reported electrical fire at 4:24 p.m. at the theatre, at 4384 Hampton.

The department said evacuation was already in process when firefighters arrived on scene. Loud popping could be heard from an exterior transformer in the front of the building, and firefighters discovered a fire in the electrical panel along with heavy smoke inside the building.

According to the release, the fire was elevated to a full still, and additional assistance was requested from La Grange, Hinsdale, Pleasantview, Clarendon Hills, Westmont, Oak Brook and La Grange Park. ComEd was also contacted.

Evacuees moved to the recreation center across the street while firefighters fought the blaze. The department said inside the building crews were met with heavy smoke, but were able to shut off parts of the power through another supply feed until ComEd arrive to shut off all power to the building.

The theatre was then ventilated of smoke and toxic gases. The department said the preliminary cause of the fire is electrical in nature but due to the damage the investigation cannot pinpoint the exact cause or the extent of the damage until safe access is rendered as part of a clean-up effort. There were no reported civilian or firefighter injuries.

Image via Shutterstock.