By Bob Bong
One firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling a fire at a home in Orland Park early Tuesday morning.
Orland Fire Protection District officials said the fire was reported at 3:35 a.m. on Feb. 20 in the 14700 block of Holly Court in Orland Park.
The fire was brought under control after about 20 minutes, but not before one firefighter was injured and taken to Silver Cross Hospital, where he was treated and later released.
Fire District Board President John Brudnak praised the firefighters and the support received from Orland Park Police and neighboring fire departments.
He said the community was 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 in this case notified the family of the fire “and saved their lives.”
Fire Chief Michael Schofield said the injured firefighter suffered an injury to his knee but was doing well and was recuperating after being released by the hospital.
“Our firefighters are the best and they never hesitate to respond to emergencies. This fire was extremely dangerous but it was quickly extinguished,” Schofield said, also 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.”
Schofield said that the fire spread to the house next door. There was a car in the driveway and the fire was so hot that the tires exploded.
Upon arrival, initial fire companies 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.
Orland firefighters performed an aggressive exterior fire attack, quickly deploying multiple hand lines in addition to a deck gun and aerial pipe.
Firefighters remained on the scene after the fire was struck to manage hot spots and flare-ups at the property.
Residents of the home and neighboring homes were safely evacuated prior to OFPD Fire Fighters arrival and by the Orland Park Police Department.
A thorough fire investigation is being performed by the Orland Park Police Department, the Orland Fire Protection District, and the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
