At 7:45 p.m. on Jan. 25, the St. Charles Fire Department responded to 215 W. Main St. for a report of smoke coming from the rear of the building by the neighbor. The first unit was on the scene by 19:47 and found moderate to heavy smoke coming from the rear of the building. Due to the nature of the structure, the potential for heavy fire loss to the downtown area, and the cold temperatures, the alarm was raised to a first level Box Alarm. The fire was contained to the rear portion of the building by firefighters and brought under control in approximately 80 minutes. Frigid temperatures created hazardous conditions such as freezing equipment and a slippery working environment. The first floor of the building experienced extensive fire and smoke damage. Adjacent commercial and residential occupancies also had light to moderate smoke which was ventilated permitting those units to be returned to their occupants. St. Charles Fire Department personnel remained on the scene throughout the night to provide a fire-watch. There were no civilian or firefighter casualties. Cause of the fire is still under investigation and considered undetermined at this time. The St. Charles Fire Department was assisted by Geneva, Batavia, Elburn, West Chicago, North Aurora, Fermi, South Elgin, Sugar Grove, Bartlett, and Burlington Fire Departments.
Structure Fire at 215 W. Main St.
