**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**June 20, 2023**
**PROSPECT HEIGHTS —** On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at approximately 12:37 p.m., the Prospect Heights Fire Protection District responded to a fire reported at 1209 N. Elmhurst Road in Prospect Heights. Upon arrival, firefighters observed heavy smoke billowing from the rear of the building and confirmed that flames and dense, dark smoke were coming from both the roof and interior.
The structure involved was a strip mall housing 12 businesses. Smoke quickly spread into nearby stores, prompting immediate evacuations. Firefighters entered the building with hose lines to suppress the fire, which had already begun spreading through the ceiling and roof. Aerial ladder trucks were deployed to apply water streams while crews worked to take over control of the fire from above.
Due to the intensity of the blaze and the risk of further damage, the incident commander activated the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS), calling for assistance from multiple fire departments across the region. Over a dozen additional fire units arrived to support the operation.
Thankfully, no civilians were injured in the incident. One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received medical attention on-site. The apartment complex located behind the shopping center remained unscathed throughout the event.
Firefighters worked swiftly to bring the fire under control, extinguishing it within one hour using multiple hose lines, four aerial apparatus, and 26 fire engines. Afterward, they spent over three hours conducting a thorough inspection of the area to ensure there were no remaining hot spots or signs of rekindling.
All 12 businesses in the strip mall are currently displaced until safety inspections are completed and necessary repairs are made. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by local authorities.
The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District urges residents and business owners to always have two escape routes, ensure smoke alarms are installed and functioning properly, and to develop an emergency plan in case of a fire or other disaster.
Additionally, the department emphasizes the importance of fire sprinkler systems. If this building had been equipped with sprinklers, the fire may have been contained or even extinguished before firefighters arrived, significantly reducing potential damage and risk.
For more information or to view video footage of the incident, please visit our official website or follow us on social media.
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