‘Never seen anything like it’: Mount Prospect apartment blaze displaces 100 residents

As many as 100 residents were left homeless after fire swept through a Mount Prospect apartment complex overnight, leaving behind extensive damage but no serious injuries.

Firefighters from several suburban departments, including Palatine, Des Plaines and Buffalo Grove, joined Mount Prospect crews battling the blaze at the Orion Parkview Apartments for about 8 ⅟₂ hours, starting Monday evening and into the early morning hours Tuesday.

Mount Prospect Fire Chief John Dolan said a firefighter suffered a minor injury and was treated at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

“Tenants were alerted by a fire alarm and police officers, and were able to evacuate the building,” Dolan said

One tenant had to be rescued from a balcony after he ran back into the burning building to retrieve personal belongings, officials said.

The 36-unit structure in the 1800 block of West Palm Drive is expected to be a total loss, according to Mount Prospect officials.

Based on reports from initial fire companies, the fire likely started in the cockloft, or small attic space, of the three-story building, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities said.

Firefighters initially were dispatched at about 6:45 p.m. Monday in response to an activated fire alarm. The first crews arrived within three minutes to find heavy smoke and fire coming from the roof, fire officials said.

“Conditions worsened quickly,” Dolan said.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., fire personnel pulled out of the building and went into a defensive mode, using hoses from aerial ladders to pummel the building with water. The fire was upgraded to a third alarm, which brought in more than 30 additional emergency response units from surrounding communities.

“Crews from all responding departments and agencies did a tremendous job on a very stubborn and difficult fire,” Dolan said.

Officials said the design of the building made the fire difficult to extinguish from outside the structure. It wasn’t until 3:15 a.m. Tuesday that the fire was declared under control.

At approximately 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, structural engineers deemed the building safe for fire department personnel to enter and further investigate the scene.

“This was a perfect storm of operational challenges presented to responding firefighters,” Mount Prospect Village Manager Michael Cassady said. “The heat, mansard roof design and excessive smoke made for very difficult conditions. Our firefighters did an exceptional job containing the fire.”

Resident Maz Shunnara said after hearing an alarm, he left his apartment with his dog. He then saw smoke filling a top-floor unit.

“A few minutes later, there was a small explosion,” Shunnara said. “It happened really fast. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Officials said displaced residents were given a safe place to stay through the assistance of the Red Cross and the Mount Prospect Human Services Department. Mount Prospect’s Community Emergency Response Team and the Salvation Army also assisted residents and first responders.

Later Tuesday, village emergency management and human services staff opened a intake center to assess the needs of displaced residents and connect them with resources.

The village is accepting donations of nonperishable items at village hall, 50 S. Emerson St., between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Bins are located in the lobby and at the human services department on the second floor.

Gift cards also will be accepted. For more information, call (847) 870-5680.

Officials said the Mount Prospect Public Works Department also was instrumental in ensuring sufficient water volume and pressure for firefighters, as well as providing fuel for equipment working throughout the night.

“It was heartening to see the immediate response from village team members from building and inspection services, human services, public works and police to provide much-needed support to displaced residents,” Cassady said. “As always, they performed with grace and consideration of our residents who had lost so much.”