File Photo – Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department | Photo: Nick Rusin
Swift action by an off-duty firefighter using a garden hose is being credited for protecting life and property in Crystal Lake early Saturday morning.
Deputy Chief Mark Menzel of the Crystal Lake Fire Department said emergency personnel responded to a report of a structure fire at 490 Golf Road at 8:59 a.m. Saturday.
He said the incident involved a deck and pergola on fire at the rear of a residence, Menzel said.
An off-duty Crystal Lake firefighter spotted the flames while traveling home and reported it, Menzel said.
After calling 911, the firefighter alerted the resident to evacuate the building.
The firefighter then used a garden hose to begin an initial fire attack, Menzel said.
Upon arrival, fire crews deployed a hose line to the rear of the property to complete extinguishment and perform overhaul operations.
The swift intervention by the off-duty firefighter successfully limited the fire’s spread, resulting in only minor damage to the home’s exterior siding, deck, and pergola, Menzel said.
Following a scene investigation, the fire was determined to be caused by improperly discarded smoking materials.
No injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported.
The Crystal Lake Bureau of Community Risk Reduction would like to remind people that improperly discarded smoking materials are a leading cause of preventable fires. Menzel said.
He urges everyone to make sure all smoking materials are extinguished before people walk away.
A single ember can ignite dry grass, decks, mulch, or trash within minutes.
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