On Friday, January 26, 2018, around 12:20 PM, Des Plaines firefighters were dispatched to 539 Westmere Road after multiple 9-1-1 calls reported a fire in an attached garage. Engine 63 was the first to arrive and found heavy flames coming from the garage that had already spread to the second floor of the split-level home. Strong winds carried smoke across the street, significantly reducing visibility for both residents and emergency responders.
Due to the intensity of the fire, crews were unable to enter the structure immediately. Instead, they deployed an exterior attack using foam and positioned Tower Ladder 63 on the roof for ventilation. Four fire lines were used, and the flames were brought under control within just 20 minutes. The scene saw a large response, including all three Des Plaines fire engines, both tower trucks, three ambulances, a battalion chief, and the 6100 unit. Additional support came from Mount Prospect Engine 12, Tower 13, Battalion 3, and Elk Grove Township Ambulance 11.
Thanks to Nick Marcinkowski for capturing these powerful images of the incident, which provide a visual record of the fire and the heroic efforts of the responding crews.