From the Crystal Lake Fire/Rescue Department:
Off-Duty Firefighter Credited with Stopping Residential Structure Fire
CRYSTAL LAKE, IL – At 8:59 a.m. Saturday, the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded to a report of a structure fire at 490 Golf Road.
The incident involved a deck and pergola on fire at the rear of a residence.
The emergency was first reported by an off-duty Crystal Lake firefighter who spotted the flames while traveling home.
After calling 911, the firefighter alerted the resident to evacuate the building and immediately began an initial fire attack using a garden hose attached to the home.
Upon arrival, fire crews deployed a hose line to the rear of the property to complete extinguishment and perform overhaul operations.
The swift intervention by the off-duty firefighter successfully limited the fire’s spread, resulting in only minor damage to the home’s exterior siding, deck, and pergola.
Following a scene investigation, the fire was determined to be caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
The Crystal Lake Bureau of Community Risk Reduction would like to remind people that improperly discarded smoking materials are a leading cause of preventable fires.
Before you walk away, make sure every cigarette, match, or ash is fully extinguished.
A single ember can ignite dry grass, decks, mulch, or trash within minutes.
Protect your home, your neighbors, and first responders—dispose of smoking materials responsibly.
