Winthrop Harbor officials credited the swift action of firefighters for preventing additional damage to a home and a neighboring detached garage that became engulfed in flames early Thursday.
Winthrop Harbor Fire Chief Rocco Campanella said emergency personnel were called to the 2300 block of 7th Street at 6:31 a.m. for a working fire.
Upon arrival, crews found a fully involved attached garage, Campanella said.
A neighboring detached garage was also on fire when crews arrived on the scene, Campanella said.
Firefighters rapidly deployed hose lines to contain the fire and successfully prevented it from spreading into the main residence.
A primary search confirmed the home’s two occupants were safe and accounted for, allowing for an immediate “all clear” to be declared, Campanella said.
No injuries reported to either occupants or firefighters, he said.
With multiple structures involved, a Working Still Alarm was requested to bring assistance from neighboring departments.
A MABAS Box Alarm was also activated to provide additional resources on scene and maintain coverage across the community, Campanella said.
Campanella said, thanks to the coordinated efforts and dedication of all responding agencies, crews were able to save the house and its contents.
“The credit goes to the firefighters who got out there quick and knocked it down, saving the properties from suffering additional damage,” Campanella said.
Campanella said special thanks go to officers at the scene from Zion, Beach Park, Newport, Pleasant Prairie, Gurnee, and Bristol, Wisconsin.
He said engines from Zion, Pleasant Prairie, Newport, Waukegan, and Gurnee were also called to the scene to assist, while ladder trucks came in from Bristol, Pleasant Prairie, and Lake Forest.
He said ambulances from Beach Park and Lake Villa also responded to the location.
Change of quarters units included a North Chicago Ambulance, a Libertyville Engine, and an Antioch Chief.
Campanella additionally reminded residents of the critical importance of working smoke detectors in every home, adding that people should test alarms regularly and ensure they are functioning properly to keep families safe.