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No injuries at home fire in unincorporated Orland Township
A homeowner at the 16500 Block of Lee Avenue in unincorporated Orland Township on Tuesday night, July 23, 2024, called 911 to report that he suspected his property may have been struck by lightning.
He reported experiencing some electrical issues during the apparent strike to a modem and other electronics in the home and that he felt that his house shake, but there were no other signs of trouble.
The homeowner said he had walked through the house to check all the rooms but did not see anything out of the ordinary. He said he also checked the attic but didn’t notice any damage.
The Orland Fire Protection District sent fire trucks to the home immediately to do an inspection to ensure the safety of the homeowner and the home, OFPD Fire Chief Mike Schofield said.
Minutes later, the homeowner called 911 again at 10:42 PM and reported he had started to smell a heavy odor of smoke.
Schofield said that the response was quickly upgraded to a report structure fire.
OFPD Firefighters arrived on the scene in minutes and found heavy smoke coming from the eves in the back of the house. The alarm was elevated to a full still to bring in additional Orland companies as well as mutual aid resources.
Upon entering the house heavy fire was found in the attic and it was venting out the roof and eves. Companies made an aggressive attack with two handlines and an aerial ladder was placed in service in the rear of the home.
Water from the aerial ladder helped bring the fire under control quickly and aid in fire control of the two-story home.
A rapid primary search revealed the house was unoccupied and the owner and his dog had escaped the fire. Extensive overhaul was needed and crews were able to tarp belongings preventing further damage from water.
“It is always better to be safe than sorry and the homeowner did the right thing contacting us. We immediately sent an investigation team including two fire engines and a fire truck to the home even before his second call came in reporting that he had started to smell smoke,” said Fire Chief Michael Schofield.
“The public knows that whenever anything happens, they should contact us immediately and we will be there to ensure their safety no matter what the circumstances.”
The Orland Fire District was assisted in its response by fire districts in Tinley Fire, Mokena Fire, Palos Fire, North Palos, Frankfort. The fire was investigated by the Orland Fire District Origin and Cause Team.
The home is not habitable, and the owner is staying with friends. Cook County Sheriff Police also assisted at the scene. The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation.
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Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
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