Two families displaced by apartment fire

Posted 1/23/18

The Rochelle Fire Department was called to the scene of a possible apartment fire on Sunnymeade Dr. near Short Ct. just after 7 p.m. Wednesday.

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Two families displaced by apartment fire

Posted

ROCHELLE — Rochelle Fire Department and the Ogle-Lee Fire Protection District responded to a call of an apartment fire shortly after 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at 1266 Sunnymeade.

Rochelle Fire Chief Dave Sawlsville reported the fire was in a downstairs apartment, originating from the top of the stove, spreading to cabinets in the kitchen. Upon further inspection with a thermal imaging camera, crews discovered a hot spot behind a stove in the apartment directly above.

“For the most part, the fire stayed in the downstairs kitchen, but because the kitchen contained an exhaust fan that extended to the apartment above, it gave the fire an avenue to spread,” Sawlsville said. “From there was an extension into the attic, where we had to also pull insulation to stop the fire from spreading.”

Crews discovered building materials smoldering in the upstairs apartment, pulling out the stove and drywall, as well as the attic, which is shared among multiple apartments.

He credits the thorough investigation of the fire crews, preventing further damage.

“We were glad to be able to get out there and get ahead of it…had it successfully traveled to the attic it could have been worse.”

The Red Cross is assisting the two families displaced from the fire.

One person was treated on the scene and refused transport by ambulance to the hospital. Rochelle Police, along with Ogle County Sheriff’s Department and the Ogle County Emergency Management assisted.

Sawlsville estimates the damages somewhere between $20,000 and $30,000.