A 74-year-old Vietnam veteran remains hospitalized after he was left homeless and injured in a fire that caused significant damage to his home in Waukegan.
The Waukegan Fire Department and Gurnee Fire Department responded around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday to the 2200 block of North Northern Avenue in Waukegan for a report of a structure fire.
Waukegan Fire Marshal Todd Zupec said firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the rear of a single-story residence.
Fire crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire by performing an aggressive interior attack, Zupec said.
All occupants of the home were out of the residence by the time the fire department arrived.
An occupant of the house suffered injuries and was transported to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan for treatment, Zupec said.
No injuries were reported to any fire department personnel.
A thorough search of the home was conducted to ensure no one was inside the building.
Zupec said the fire appeared to have started at the rear of the house but the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The house was deemed uninhabitable due to the damage and the American Red Cross was called to assist the homeowner with alternative arrangements.
Family of David Stewart, a 74-year-old Vietnam War veteran, said Stewart remains hospitalized and is recovering from burns suffered in the fire.
His daughter, Christina Walker, said that her father has limited resources, remains hospitalized as of Saturday and has no home to return to. “We’re all devastated.”
She created an online fundraiser to help Stewart rebuild his life, provide shelter and basic living essentials. Over $1,000 has been raised so far for Stewart.
“You can tell from the photos that he has a love and devotion for his country like no one I’ve ever seen,” Walker said.
“My dad is a true patriot. He always thanks anyone in uniform and proudly supports the Navy and the American flag. He’s instilled that love of country in our family. My brother and sister both served in the navy and now his granddaughter, my daughter, is on track to be commissioned as a naval officer next May,” she said.