Prospect Heights Box Alarm, 11-3-14

This is from Larry Shapiro:

A house fire broke out early Monday morning around 3:00 AM at 1201 N. Stratford Road, off Rand Road in Prospect Heights. Firefighters from the Prospect Heights Fire Department were quickly dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, they were informed that a 14-year-old boy was trapped inside while other family members had already escaped.

Several police officers attempted to locate the boy, but heavy smoke and intense flames forced them to retreat. The first arriving unit, Arlington Heights Engine 2, found the fire fully engulfing the center of the home. Unfortunately, the street lacked hydrants, so supply lines had to be stretched to a nearby Arlington Heights street and to a shopping center across Rand Road. Water pressure became an issue when Engine 2 faced mechanical difficulties, temporarily limiting their ability to fight the fire. Additional lines were later supplied by Prospect Heights Tower 9 to help contain the blaze.

A Box Alarm was called for, along with multiple ambulances, as two adults from the house and three police officers required medical attention. One ambulance was held on standby in case the missing boy could still be rescued. However, it was later confirmed that the boy was not at home and was eventually located elsewhere. Two individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment.

Photos from the scene show firefighters working through the night under challenging conditions. Despite the difficulties, crews managed to control the fire and ensure no further injuries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.