Arlington Heights firefighters were dispatched to 1400 Thomas Street after reports of a fire in an attached garage of a single-story home. Upon arrival, crews found small explosions occurring, believed to be caused by fireworks stored inside the garage. The situation was quickly escalated to a Code 4, prompting additional fire units from Arlington Heights, as well as neighboring departments from Buffalo Grove and Wheeling.
The fire spread into the house, but crews managed to bring it under control within 30 minutes. Despite this, the structure required extensive overhaul, and fire companies remained on scene for several hours. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.
Residents in the area reported hearing loud blasts and seeing smoke rising from the property, which led to the quick response. Firefighters worked carefully to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and to prevent any further damage. Local authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, though early reports suggest that the fireworks played a significant role in the initial explosion.
Photos from the scene show the extent of the damage and the efforts made by emergency responders. The images, captured by Jeff Klauke, provide a clear view of the aftermath and the intensity of the blaze. As the community begins to recover, officials are reminding residents to handle fireworks responsibly, especially during peak times of use.