Nearly a dozen fire departments were called after fireworks possibly caused a fire at a multi-unit townhome complex near Deerfield early Friday morning, authorities said.
The Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 1:47 a.m. Friday to the 300 block of Goshawk Lane in unincorporated Deerfield for a report of a structure fire.
Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Steve McCaughey said emergency crews were still responding when they were advised that police had arrived and found a fully involved structure fire.
Firefighters arrived to find a two-story multi-unit townhome complex with heavy flames showing from the roof.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chief Christopher Covelli said multiple residents evacuated from the townhome prior to the home becoming engulfed.
Fire crews deployed a hose line for a fire attack and worked to confirm the home was evacuated, McCaughey said.
The fire was contained to the unit where the fire originated. Fire crews had the fire controlled by 2:38 a.m.
Covelli said the townhome sustained major damage.
There were explosive fireworks being ignited near the townhome earlier in the evening and it is likely the fire was the result of the fireworks, Covelli said.
The townhome unit next to the one that caught fire was checked to see if the fire had extended, McCaughey said. That unit sustained minimal damage.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated for additional fire crews and fire investigators to the scene from surrounding fire departments.
The Lincolnshire-Riverwoods Fire Protection District was assisted by the Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Wheeling, Northbrook, Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Highland Park, Countryside, Glencoe, and Northfield fire departments.
No injuries were reported. McCaughey said the cause of the fire and a damage estimate are still being determined.
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office said that the community should be aware that most fireworks in Illinois are illegal.
“Every year, deputies respond to calls where people have been critically injured or where structures have burned to the ground, due to illegally used fireworks. Please leave fireworks to professionals who have obtained the necessary permits, after their safety plans have been approved,” Covelli said.