On August 26, 2018 around a quarter after one in the afternoon the Park Forest Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the south end of town. Upon arrival fire crews where met with heavy fire conditions with flames coming through the roof in the rear of the structure. The fire was so intense that crews had to initially fight the fire from the exterior to gain control of the fire and then moved interior to complete extinguishment. Secondary arriving automatic aid units from South Chicago Heights, University Park and Richton Park assisted with water supply and completing an initial search which found no occupants. At the time of the fire the residents where out of the area for the day and returned home about an hour after the fire. Due to the extreme heat and extensive overhaul that was needed a box alarm was requested bringing mutual aid help from Chicago Heights, Crete, Crete Township, Frankfort, Matteson and Monee. Crews remained on the scene for several hours.
This fire occurring in the wake of the tragic fatal Chicago fire that happened earlier that morning serves as a grim reminder that tragedy can happen in an instant. We want to remind our residents to check your smoke alarms. It only takes seconds to make sure yours is working. This is the one safety device that is going to alert you that a fire is occurring in your home. If your smoke alarm isn't working please replace the batteries immediately. If your alarm is 10 years or older replace it with new alarm that has a 10 year long life battery so you never need to worry about dead batteries. Take time to maybe save a life and check your alarm today.