Prospect Heights Box Alarm, 11-3-14

Here's a report from Larry Shapiro:

The Prospect Heights Fire Department was called to a house fire around 3:00 AM today, Monday, at 1201 N. Stratford Road, near Rand Road. As firefighters were en route, they received word that a 14-year-old boy was trapped inside the home while other family members had already evacuated. Several police officers attempted to search for the boy, but heavy smoke and intense flames forced them to retreat.

Arlington Heights Engine 2 arrived first on scene, where the fire was already fully involved in the center of the house. The street lacked hydrants, so supply lines were laid to an Arlington Heights street in one direction and to a nearby shopping center across Rand Road on the other. Water pressure was an issue initially when Engine 2 faced mechanical problems, preventing it from supplying the lines. Additional water was later brought in from Prospect Heights Tower 9.

A Box Alarm was called, along with multiple ambulances, as two adults from the home and three police officers needed medical attention. One ambulance remained on standby in case the missing boy could still be rescued.

It was later confirmed that the boy was not at home, and he was eventually found elsewhere. Two individuals were transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Photos from the scene are available below, captured by Larry Shapiro: