Dupage Policy Journal

Naperville, Ill. —Naperville’s Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) received a call from an administrator stating smoke was filling the cafeteria of a school located in the 800 block of N. Mill St. Naperville 911 (PSAP) dispatched a general alarm assignment consisting of 10 pieces of fire apparatus and 24 personnel including an Incident Commander and Incident Safety Officer to the reported address. The school had approximately 800 students in attendance. All faculty and students were able to safely evacuate prior to the fire department’s arrival.

At 12:14 p.m., the first arriving vehicle arrived on the scene and reported a small fire on the roof. Fire companies ascended to the roof and utilized a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. At 12:20 p.m., the fire was deemed under control. Fire companies remained on the scene for another 15 minutes to ensure there were no hot spots. Once confirmed there were no additional hazards, all students and faculty were able to return to the building.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental. Maintenance personnel performing work with a torch unintentionally ignited nearby combustibles. Fire damage was confined to the HVAC unit. There were no injuries to any occupants or firefighters while operating on the scene. The building was deemed to be habitable by the Naperville Transportation, Engineering, and Development Team. The blaze is estimated to have caused $15,000 in damages. The Naperville Fire Department was assisted on the scene by the Naperville Police. 

About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us. 

Original source can be found here.