The Chicago Ridge Fire Department is investigating the cause of a fire that heavily damaged a three-story apartment building on Jan. 25, displacing more than 20 families.
Fire Chief Bob Smart said in a statement Monday that firefighters responded to the scene at 5:03 p.m. Saturday at 10520-26 Brooks Lane. More than 14 fire departments from surrounding towns assisted after the blaze was upgraded to a 2-11 alarm fire. The flames were extinguished by 9 p.m., and no injuries were reported.
Smart said the 24-unit building remains secure but is unsafe to enter. Village officials planned to have a structural engineer evaluate the building this week to determine its status. Residents will be notified when it is safe to retrieve their belongings. Many reported losing nearly all their possessions.
A warming shelter was set up Saturday night at the Chicago Ridge Emergency Management Agency building at 10655 S. Oak Ave. for displaced residents who had nowhere to go. Village senior buses transported them to the site, where American Red Cross staff assisted in finding temporary accommodations.
“The Chicago Ridge Lions Club is overwhelmed by the generosity of our community, other community-based organizations, and nearby communities. We received clothing, bedding, towels and toiletries to distribute to those displaced by the fire,” said Bill Lammel, the club’s immediate past president.
“We also received funds and gift cards to distribute to the families,” Lammel said. “We are truly grateful for the generous support from our community.”
The collection drive was so successful that clothing donations are no longer needed. However, the Lions Club is still accepting cash or checks, as well as food and grocery gift cards. Checks should be made payable to the Chicago Ridge Lions Club with “Fire Relief” in the memo line.
Donations can be dropped off at Village Hall. More information is available by emailing crlionsclub@gmail.com or calling Bill Watt at 708-359-6182 or Mike Wickman at 708-507-0346.
Several GoFundMe pages have been set up for residents who lost everything in the fire.
“The village of Chicago Ridge would like to thank everyone who donated to the displaced families, the Chicago Ridge Lions Club for organizing the donations, the American Red Cross for their assistance throughout this tragic event, and the surrounding fire departments for their help,” Smart said in his statement.
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