Apartment damaged in fire at Orlan Brook Drive condo complex, no injuries

The Orland Fire Protection District (OFPD) responded to a fire in a 12-unit multi-family condo building in the 15800 block of Orlan Brook Drive in Orland Park reported at around 1 PM on Sunday, January 19^th, 2025.

It was the second apartment fire in two days this week.

The occupant called a relative who notified the fire department that her unit was filling up with smoke Upon arrival crews found smoke in a second-floor condo unit.

Ceilings were pulled and companies found an attic fire above the second-floor unit.

Fire Jan. 19, 2025 at 15800 Block of Orlan Brook Drive Orland Park. Photo courtesy of the OFPD

Crews found the fire adjacent to the furnace involving insulation and structural members. The fire was quickly brought under control.

The resident did not evacuate the premises until after Orland Fire Protection District firefighters arrived.

The resident was displaced by the fire and will be staying with relatives. One unit was not habitable at this time.

The Orland Fire District was assisted by the Tinley Park Fire Department.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Orland Fire Protection District Cause and Origin team.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) Heating equipment is the leading cause of home fires between the months of December and February with with 20 percent of all home heating fires occurring in January.

Fire Chief Michael Schofield, who was at the scene of the fire, reminded homeowners and residents to have their heaters professionally inspected annually, especially during winter months.

“Annually having your heater cleaned and inspected is important to prevent any situation in which the heater might become the cause of the fire,” Schofield said.

“Our investigators are examining the property to determine the cause of the fire which was found adjacent to the heater unit. But it is a reminder that with the winter comes more concerns about home and apartment fires.”

The majority of heating fires can be prevented by making sure heating equipment is in good working order. NFPA offers these tips and guidelines for safely heating your home this winter:

Heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

Keep anything that can burn at least 3-feet (1- meter) away form all heating equipment, including furnaces, fireplaces, wood stoves, and space heaters.

Always use the right kind of fuel, as specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

Create a 3-foot (1-meter) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

Make sure space heaters are in good working order and used per the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

Fireplaces should have a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container, which should be placed outside at least 10 feet away from your home.

All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call 911 or your gas company.

Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are located throughout the home; test them monthly to ensure that they are working properly.

For more information visit www.OrlandFire.org.

Click here to subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania's Columns