Naperville fire causes $8 million in damage to W. Diehl Road structure

A fire in the 1800 block of W. Diehl Road in Naperville caused an estimated $8 million in damage on July 2. The Naperville Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call at 11:30 p.m. reporting smoke inside a structure, prompting an immediate response from local fire crews.

According to Stephen Shink, Division Chief, "Initial arriving companies completed an incident size-up and noted fire on the roof of the structure. The alarm was immediately upgraded to a General Alarm assignment, adding an engine, a truck, a battalion commander and a heavy rescue. Crews ensured all the occupants had vacated the structure and performed an aggressive offensive fire attack. As the full extent of the fire was determined, the assignment was upgraded to a Box Alarm assignment and later a 2nd Alarm Box. The bulk of the fire had been extinguished at 1 a.m. Fire suppression crews continued to overhaul the fire area and extinguish smoldering embers, ensuring the hazard was contained."

The Naperville Fire Department was assisted by the Naperville Police Department, Naperville Electric Department, Nicor, and several neighboring fire departments, including Bolingbrook, Wheaton, Warrenville, West Chicago, Aurora, and Lisle Woodridge, as well as Naperville Emergency Management. No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the building was deemed uninhabitable due to the extent of the damage.

Naperville is located 28 miles west of Chicago and is home to approximately 150,000 people. The city is known for its acclaimed schools, public library system, healthcare options, and low crime rate. It features a diversified employer base and a variety of public amenities, according to the City of Naperville.

The fire department continues to investigate the cause of the incident. No further updates have been provided at this time.