Garage burns on Fourth of July on Waltham Road

HARLEM-ROSCOE FD PHOTO The Journal
On July 4, just before 9 p.m. while on scene of another structure fire, Harlem-Roscoe Fire Dept. (HRFD) was dispatched for a residential structure fire on Waltham Road.

On July 4, 2023 just before 9 p.m. while on scene of another structure fire, Harlem-Roscoe Fire Dept. (HRfD) was dispatched for a residential structure fire on Waltham Road.

HRFD Chief Patrick Trollop reports, “During the initial dispatch we were informed that there was smoke coming from the garage of the residence.

“While enroute to the second fire I requested another MABAS Box (Box 12) to ensure there would be enough fire apparatus for the second structure fire.

“Units were informed that the occupants had evacuated the residence as well. Boone 2 (our change of quarters engine for the first fire) was the first arriving fire unit and reported heavy smoke and fire in the garage and back side of the residence.

“Upon arriving to the scene, I upgraded the alarm to the Third alarm. This brought units from Blackhawk, Belvidere, Capron Rescue, Cherry Valley, North Park, Northwest, Pecatonica, Rockton, Shirland, South Beloit, Stillman Valley, and Win-Bur-Sew.

The engine company from Boone 2 was able to quickly get water on the fire and were able to keep it contained to the garage. Loves Park and South Beloit checked for extension of the fire both inside and outside of the residence. Unfortunately, the homeowners did lose a pet from this incident.

I would like to personally thank all of our Auto-Aid and Mutual-Aid companies that not only assisted us on both fires but the ones who provided change of quarters. Obviously that made a huge difference as we not only fought two fires but still had other medical calls that needed to be handled.

It was a long hot night, and everyone worked extremely hard and they all made a huge difference. I truly appreciate their efforts and I am always happy to see the MABAS system work as well as it does.”