On Oct. 10, at approximately 3:20 p.m., Evanston fire companies responded to the 800 block of Sherman Avenue for the report that there was a fire at a two story brick, townhouse, with two additional units attached.
First arriving companies saw heavy smoke with fire venting from a first floor window on the south side of the building. The alarm was upgraded to a Code 4, bringing in additional Evanston fire companies.
The fire was reported by residents, who safely exited the residence. Fire companies found heavy smoke conditions throughout the building with fire in the basement and first floor. The alarm was upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm, bringing fire companies from 5 departments in Division 3 to assist on the scene and also for station coverage.
The coordinated tactics combined with a two-minute response time by Evanston fire companies made the difference and the fire was brought under control at approximately 4:20 p.m.
The MABAS Box Alarm was struck at 4:51 p.m. A Fire Investigation Box was also called to assist with the investigation for the cause and origin of the fire.
Families from the three residences will be displaced. The Red Cross came to assist one person injured on the scene who was transported to the hospital in stable condition. The man was treated and released.
Firefighters rotated through the Rehabilitation Sector. One firefighter was injured on the scene and was transported to the hospital in stable condition. He was treated and released.