Home Destroyed, Firefighter Injured In Orland Park House Fire

ORLAND PARK, IL — A firefighter injured in an early morning house fire in Orland Park Tuesday has been treated and released from the hospital, Orland Fire Protection District officials said.

Firefighters were called around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday to the fire in the 14700 block of Holly Court. The fire was brought under control after about 20 minutes, officials said, with one firefighter suffering an injury to his knee.

First responders were met with heavy fire throughout the first and second floors of the two-story residence. The fire had also spread to the exterior of home.

OFPD firefighters performed an "aggressive exterior fire attack," quickly deploying multiple hand lines in addition to a deck gun and aerial pipe, according to officials. The fire also spread to the house next door, where the heat caused a car's tires to explode, officials said.

Residents of the home and neighbors were evacuated prior to crew's arrivals. Reports of a second person injured were false, said OFPD Spokesman Ray Hanania.

OFPD Board President John Brudnak praised the firefighters and the support received from the Orland Park Police and neighboring fire departments, and said they are relieved that the firefighter who was taken to Silver Cross Hospital was released without major injuries.

"Every day, every week, every month and every year, 24-7, our firefighters put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our residents," Brudnak said.

"Sometimes this is taken for granted until we see a close call in which a firefighter or firefighters are injured. We are relieved that the firefighter who was injured in the home fire early Tuesday morning was treated and released for his injuries. And the entire board applauds the heroism our firefighters show in responding to every emergency."

Brudnak reminded everyone to ensure they have working smoke alarms in their homes, noting that a smoke alarm notified the family of the fire "and saved their lives."

"Our firefighters are the best and they never hesitate to respond to emergencies. This fire was extremely dangerous but it was quickly extinguished," said Fire Chief Michael Schofield, adding that having smoke detectors in the home is critical to lifesaving in emergencies.

"We are thankful that the firefighter's injuries were minor and that no other residents were injured."

Firefighters remained on the scene to manage hot spots and flare-ups at the property.

The fire is under investigation by the Orland Park Police Department, the Orland Fire Protection District and the Illinois State Fire Marshal.