1 firefighter injured battling early-morning blaze in Orland Park
ORLAND PARK, Ill. — Firefighters battled an early-morning fire Tuesday in Orland Park, with one firefighter injured and transported to an area hospital, according to a village news release.
The firefighter, who sustained an injury to his knee, was later released from the hospital and is doing well, says Orland Fire Protection District Chief Michael Schofield.
“Our firefighters are the best, and they never hesitate to respond to emergencies,” Schofield said in the release. “This fire was extremely dangerous, but it was quickly extinguished.
“We are thankful that the firefighter’s injuries were minor and that no other residents were injured.”
Just after 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, the release says, the OFPD responded to a house fire at 14725 Holly Court. Upon arrival, initial fire companies were met with heavy fire throughout the first and second floors of the two-story residence. Fire had also spread to the exterior of residence.
According to the release, fire crews responded aggressively and quickly deployed multiple hand lines, in addition to a deck gun and an aerial pipe, to combat the blaze. The fire was controlled within about 20 minutes, with crews remaining on scene to manage hot spots and flare-ups.
The release said residents of the home on fire and neighboring homes were safely evacuated prior to the arrival of the Orland Park Police Department.
“Every day, every week, every month and every year, 24-7, our firefighters put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our residents,” OFPD Board President John Brudnak said in the release.
“Sometimes this is taken for granted, until we see a close call in which a firefighter or firefighters are injured. We are relieved that the firefighter who was injured early Tuesday morning was treated and released for his injuries. And the entire board applauds the heroism our firefighters show in responding to every emergency.”
According to the release, a fire investigation is being performed by the OPPD, the OFPD and the Illinois State Fire Marshal.
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