Crime & Safety

Woman Trapped by Fire Rescued After 911 Call

Thursday morning fire displaces 26 residents of Virginia Road Condominiums.

Several residents had to be rescued after a fire broke out at an condominium complex Thursday morning in .

According to the , firefighters responded to a fire at the Virginia Road Condominiums, 627 N. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake, at about 12:45 a.m. Thursday.

A lady trapped in her second-floor apartment from flames and smoke called 911 where a dispatcher was able to remain on the phone with her until firefighters were able to rescue her.

Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Carywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Prior to the firefighters' arrival, several were able to start evacuating the building, as well as rescuing several residents from the second- and third-floor apartments.

When firefighters first arrived on the scene several people were trapped on the upper floors, according to Fire Rescue. Firefighters were able to use ladders to rescue several residents, including the woman who called 911.

Find out what's happening in Crystal Lake-Carywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Although several people were evaluated for minor injuries, all were released from medical attention at the scene.

The fire displaced 26 residents, who were assisted by the American Red Cross.

According to Christopher Olsen, Bureau Chief of Training, the 26 displaced residents are believed to be staying at a Crystal Lake hotel for now.

The Crystal Lake Building Department is currently working with the apartment building's management to restore the complex.

The fire is believed to have started on the second floor and firefighters were able to contain the fire with an aggressive interior attack.

The fire was under control within 30 minutes, according to Olsen.

Initial damage estimates are $300,000, according to Fire Rescue.

According to Olsen, the cause of the fire is still unknown but an investigation is underway by Crystal Lake Fire Rescue, the Crystal Lake Police Department and the State Fire Marshal.

Crystal Lake was assisted with fire and emergency resources by Algonquin, Barrington, Cary, Eat Dundee, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Lakewood, Nunda, Marengo, McHenry and Woodstock.


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