Sleeping Resident Rescued From Bed During Orland Townhome Fire: OFPD

ORLAND PARK, IL ? An elderly resident discovered asleep in his townhome as fire climbed inside the wall of an adjoining unit was rescued and safe Saturday night thanks to observant neighbors, Orland Fire Protection District officials said.

Orland Fire was called Saturday just before 7 p.m. for reports of smoke coming out of the eaves of a four-unit townhome building in the 10500 block of Illinois Court in the Eagle Ridge subdivision.

The 911 caller was unsure if anyone was home, and told dispatchers they witnessed smoke through a window in the building. Crews were met with smoke coming out of the eves.

Two of the four units appeared impacted, officials said. Fire crews found the first unit ? determined to be the one where the fire started ? locked, and were unsure if anyone was in the structure. Crews forced entry and performed a search but found the homeowner was not home.

Fire crews forced entry to an attached unit, finding smoke inside. A quick search found the elderly occupant asleep in a bedroom. The senior was safely evacuated, treated at the scene and released.

Crews found fire in the walls and attic of the fire unit, extending into the second unit, officials said. The fire was quickly brought under control.

An additional alarm was called for additional manpower and for coverage due to multiple others calls within the Orland Fire District. There were no injuries as a result of the fire.

Two of the four units were damaged by smoke and fire, and determined uninhabitable.

Two of the four unit townhomes damaged by smoke and fire are not habitable due to fire and smoke.

The cause is under investigation by the Orland Fire District Origin and Cause team. Other departments providing coverage or manpower were Palos Fire, Lemont, Homer, North Palos, Tinley Park, Oak Forest, and other agencies.