Fires Displace Over A Dozen Evanston Residents

EVANSTON, IL — A pair of accidental fires Friday in Evanston displaced more than a dozen residents, fire officials said.

The first fire was reported shortly before 1:30 p.m. in the 2100 block of Seward Street, according to a statement from the Evanston Fire Department.

Black smoke and flames could be seen coming out of the attic of a bungalow before fire crews arrived.

Two residents were able to safely evacuate on their own, and firefighters were able to rescue a dog that remained inside. The attic, kitchen, bedroom and bedroom of the home were damaged by the fire.

Crews extinguished the blaze about 30 minutes after the initial call with help from neighboring municipalities, according to the department. One firefighter suffered a minor ankle injury due to the icy conditions.

Fire officials called for assistance from other departments again a few hours later.

Shortly after 7:30 p.m., crews were called to the 2100 block of Howard Street for a report of an apartment building on fire, according to the department.

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The first firefighters to arrive found a moderate amount of smoke coming from the second floor of the two-story brick apartment building.

Fire crews contained the blaze to the kitchen area of the apartment where it began just over 30 minutes after the first firefighters arrived, saving the structure, according to the department.

All residents were able to flee the structure before fire crews arrived, fire officials said, but 11 people unable to return to their apartments.

There were no reported injuries to any occupants or firefighters from the incident.

The American Red Cross was contacted to provide assistance with food, housing and social services for the 13 residents displaced by the two fires, according to fire officials.

No information about the status of the investigation into either fire was immediately available Monday.

With heavy recent snow accumulations in the area, Evanston fire officials asked the public for assistance shoveling out fire hydrants.

"Critical time is lost during an emergency when fire crews must locate and make useable a fire hydrant buried in snow," according to a release. "Life and property could be saved if the hydrant near you is visible and accessible."

Residents who are able should consider "adopting" a fire hydrant near their home and ensuring it remains clear of snow and ice, according to the department.

The hydrant nearest to the Seward Street fire happened to have been dug out by Evanston firefighters the day before the fire, according to Division Chief Kim Kull. There were no issues with ice around the hydrant at the Howard Street fire.