Fire investigators determined that discarded smoking materials likely caused a fire that engulfed a house in Zion, killing three family members who were inside last week.
The Zion Police Department and Zion Fire and Rescue Department responded at 11:54 p.m. on October 29 to the 2900 block of Enoch Avenue in Zion for multiple 911 calls of a house fire.
Firefighters arrived and found a two-story house that was heavily involved in fire, Zion Fire Chief Justin Stried said.
“Neighbors reported the possibility of five persons living in the home that had yet to be accounted for,” the fire chief said.
“Fires in the middle of the night, in which crews are not certain if the occupants being aware of a fire is always a concern of the responding firefighters,” Stried said.
Firefighters pulled pre-connected hose lines to begin attacking the fire, while other firefighters began to search the home to rescue the occupants.
Firefighters found three residents inside the burning home. They were located upstairs in or near bedrooms and it is assumed they were sleeping, Stried said.
They were brought out to paramedics but they were unable to be resuscitated and did not survive, Stried said.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek identified the three victims as Scott Copen, 58; Gina Copen, 54; and Cristal Copen, 41. All were Zion residents.
Autopsies were performed on the three and the results show they died as a result of thermal injuries and injuries consistent with the inhalation of products of combustion, also known as smoke inhalation, Banek said.
Toxicology testing, including carbon monoxide levels, is pending.
The Well Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin said Gina Copen was a “beloved part” of The Well family and served on their tech team every weekend. She was also a participant in the WOW Ladies ministry.
“Just this last Sunday she hosted a Dr Seuss theme trunk at Well-O-Ween and dressed as Cat in the Hat, a reflection of her joyful spirit. We will miss her greatly,” the church said in a statement.
“We are heartbroken to share the news that Gina Copen passed away as a result of a tragic fire,” the statement said.
A neighbor suffered smoke inhalation and was transported by paramedics to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan, Stried said.
All other potential occupants of the home were accounted for and were safe.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the second alarm level, bringing in resources from fire departments across Lake and Kenosha counties.
A Life Safety Box Alarm, which is used when more ambulances are needed, was also activated.
Stried called the fire a “major situation.”
Dozens of firefighters conducted fire suppression, water supply, ventilation and other fire duties.
Firefighters faced challenges in fighting the blaze due to high winds, which helped fuel the fire.
Access to multiple areas of the home – like the small void spaces, roof area and dormer windows – was difficult, further hindering fire suppression operations.
At one point, firefighters were ordered to exit the building and attack the fire from the exterior due to unsafe interior conditions.
Fire ladder trucks were used to help battle the stubborn fire.
“It took almost four hours to completely extinguish the fire due to the size and scope of the incident,” Stried said.
The house was considered a total loss due to fire, smoke and water damage.
“A very preliminary content and property damage estimate is $350,000,” Stried said.
A neighbor told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that he noticed police officers rushing to the house.
He then heard a loud popping noise and looked outside to see the house in flames.
Local fire investigators and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal began conducting an investigation into what caused the fire.
Zion police detectives and members of the Lake County Coroner’s Office were also seen investigating.
On Wednesday, just over a week after the fire, the Zion Fire and Rescue Department announced fire investigators had completed their scene examination.
Investigators also interviewed many family members, neighbors and witnesses.
The fire was determined to be accidental in nature. Discarded smoking materials most likely caused the fire, Stried said.
The fire started on the exterior wooden deck on the southwest portion of the house. Stried said investigators could re-examine the investigation if they received any new information.
Investigators and fire department officials did not find any signs of working smoke alarms in the home.
Fire officials are urging residents to check their smoke alarms and ensure they are working on every level of their homes.
“If you are a homeowner in Zion and need assistance with checking or installing working smoke alarms, please contact us and we will be happy to assist,” Stried said.
“If you rent your place of residence and do not have working smoke alarms or are unsure if yours are adequate, please contact your property owner or manager immediately,” Stried added.
In addition to working smoke alarms, residents should always be aware of and practice exit strategies and routes in case of a fire emergency.
“The City of Zion and members of the Zion Fire & Rescue Department continue to extend our condolences to the family and friends of the victims of this fire,” Stried said.