House fire on very cold day

Rockton firefighters found a smoky residential fire on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2025 at the intersection of N. Rockton Avenue and the 3000 block of Roscoe Road, east of Owen Center. They received the call at 3:25 p.m. and automatic aid from neighboring departments were already responding, such as Shirland and Harlem-Roscoe.

Extreme cold temperatures and wind gusts played havoc on fire personnel. They activated a MABAS alarm because of the extreme cold. In fact, they requested a school bus to be sent to the scene to serve as a warming and rehab area for first responders.

Fortunately, all occupants and pets, including three children, were safely out of the structure. The first arriving engine crew had a difficult time accessing the fire since it had reached void spaces on the 2nd floor. After an intense firefight, the fire was brought under control.

Unfortunately, the home was a total loss. The Red Cross was activated to assist the family with temporary housing. Damage estimates are not available and the cause is under investigation.

For structure fires, the MABAS system automatically dispatches help from Harlem-Roscoe, Loves Park, North Park (Rapid Intervention Team), and Northwest Rescue EMS. A MABAS Box alert also summoned Cherry Valley, Northwest Fire Protection District, Shirland, Byron, Win-Bur-Sew, and Elite EMS. Meanwhile, the Northwest chief, the Capron Rescue ambulance, and the Boone 2 engine are standing by while the Rockton crew is out.

Chief Wilson says, "Our sincere condolences to the family who lost their home. Your loss affects our firefighting community as well. A heartfelt thank you to our Rockton firefighters, automatic and mutual aid companies who assisted with this difficult and stubborn fire. Your commitment, hard work, and dedication did not go unnoticed. Thank you to the fire and EMS agencies who covered our community while this incident was mitigated. Strong work by all."