The Cardinal » FIRE BLOG

Fire in Trash Can/Container on South Tonne Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Fri, 25 May 2012 13:34:22 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 10:33 p.m. Thursday to a report of a fire on an apartment balcony in the 2100 block of South Tonne Road. Firefighters arrived to find a trash can or some type of container on fire. No damage was reported to the balcony or building.

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Numerous Trees, Tree Branches and Power Lines Down with High Winds

Cardinal News — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:23:55 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighters and other emergency responder in the northwest suburbs responded to numerous down power lines, blown transformer.

In Mount Prospect, a line was pulled off of a house. A line was reported down in the 100 block of Stratford Place.

In Arlington Heights, a tree was reported down in the 800 block of South Beverly Avenue.

Power was also reported out in north Arlington Heights near Arlington Heights Road and Hintz Road.

Schaumburg had a branch down on northbound Meacham north of Schaumburg Road.

Police-Involved Crash at Sigwalt & Dunton While Responding to Crash on Sigwalt & Ridge

Cardinal News — Wed, 23 May 2012 17:43:14 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 10:55 a.m. Wednesday to a crash with injuries at Sigwalt and Ridge Avenue. At least two people were injured. A police vehicle was involved in a crash about 10:57 a.m. at Sigwalt and Dunton while responding to the crash at Sigwalt and Ridge. At least two injuries were also reported at the second crash. The injuries were apparently minor injuries.

The Sigwalt and Dunton intersection was closed until about noon for an accident investigation involving a police vehicle.

Neil Nicholson Killed in Explosion at Work at Arens Controls, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:20:39 +0000

VIDEO: Extra-alarm ambulance response at Arens Control plant after an explosion killed one employee, injured seven employees, and also injured three police officers.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 8:38 a.m. Tuesday to a report of an explosion in a warehouse/factory building at 3602 N. Kennicott Ave. in Arlington Heights. Police officers from Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove arrived first to help evacuate the building. Firefighters arrived to find the building being evacuated and some light smoke and twisted metal inside of the building.

One person, who has been identified as Arens employee Neil Nicholson, 55, was killed in some type of industrial accident and explosion — possibly involving potassium hydroxide.

The explosion also injured seven employees at the time of the blast, three police officers, and two firefighter/paramedics, who were first on the scene after the explosion. The employees suffered overpressure injuries from the blast and/or exposure to potassium hydroxide, which is a skin and respiratory irritant. The overpressure injuries related to the blast of the explosion were reported to involve hearing-related injuries and chest pain. The emergency responders were apparently exposed to fumes, gases or smoke in the aftermath of the explosion. Some personnel were experiencing coughing and headache. All people transported to Northwest Community Hospital were in good condition as of 11:30 a.m., according to Northwest Community Hospital.

Arlington Heights Fire Department activated an extra alarm for mutual aid ambulances from Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Wheeling and others fire departments.

All people that were transported seemed to be walking in good shape before they were transported by firefighter/paramedics to the hospital. Neil Nicholson’s body remained inside the building for part of the investigation, and was not immediately removed Tuesday.

A brief fire occurred, but was immediately extinguished before firefighters arrived.

In medical textbooks, blast injuries are categorized as four types:

(1) Primary injuries, which involve direct injuries to ears and internal organs from overpressure of air molecules hitting victims in a shock wave. The most common cause of fatalities that occur after initial survival of an explosion are injuries to the lungs, alveoli and pulmonary blood vessels. The resulting pulmonary contusion, bleeding or swelling is known as blast lung.

(2) Secondary injuries, which are cause by shrapnel, such as flying glass, flying metal or other flying objects can cause penetrating trauma with visible bleeding and possible severe blood loss.

(3) Tertiary injuries, which are caused by victims being thrown into something, can cause blunt and/or penetrating trauma, such as bone fractures and brain trauma caused by motion of the brain inside the skull. Brain trauma can occur when the head strikes an object and the momentum of the brain inside the skull causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull.

(4) Quaternary injuries include flash burns, chemical splash, respiratory injuries, crush injuries, and all injuries not classified in the first three classes. Eye injuries, amputations, neurological damage and/or psychiatric injury that can cause post-traumatic stress disorder are included in the quaternary class.

Potassium hydroxide is a strong base chemical, also known as caustic potash. Potassium hydroxide in modern chemistry is produced by electrolysis of potassium chloride solutions. Hydrogen gas is formed as a byproduct on the cathode, which is an electrode that attracts positively charged atoms or molecules. Chlorine gas is formed as a byproduct on the anode, which is an electrode that attracts negatively charged atoms or molecules. The hydrogen ion is a positively charged ion. The chloride ion is a negatively charged ion. Hydrogen is highly explosive. Hydrogen gas forms explosive mixtures with air if it is 4–74% concentrated. Hydrogen forms explosive mixtures with chlorine if it is 5–95% concentrated. Mixtures spontaneously explode by spark, heat or sunlight.

Interestingly there was an odor of chlorine gas east of the scene — downwind from the building. A neighbor, who said he frequently walks past the building, said he never noticed the chlorine smell before.

It is unknown whether the company was producing potassium hydroxide or using it for some other application, such as producing hydrogen for some commercial vehicle energy application.

Potassium hydroxide itself is non-flammable — it’s the white stuff you see leaking from dead alkaline batteries that are left in a device too long. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is rated 3 out of 4 as a health hazard by the NFPA 704 standard maintained by the National Fire Protection Association. KOH does not burn on its own — it’s rated 0 out of 4. KOH is reactive at high temperatures and pressures.

NFPA 704 Fire Diamond for Potassium Hydroxide.

NFPA Fire Diamond* for Postassium Hydroxide explained …
BLUE (Health) = 3: Short-term exposure could cause serious temporary or moderate residual injury.

RED (Flammability) = 0: Will not burn [Hydrogen is a 4 -- Rapidly or completely vaporizes at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, or is readily dispersed in air and will burn readily (e.g., propane, hydrogen). Flash point below 23°C (73°F)].

YELLOW (Reactivity) = 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.

WHITE (Special) = ALK: Alkaline.

* The NFPA Fire Diamond gives firefighters a quick general size-up of a hazardous material at a business. Firefighters also look for relevant Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) when they arrive on the scene in an emergency. Here is an example of the MSDS for Potassium Hydroxide made available from Iowa State University.

Potassium, by itself, is a raw alkali combustible metal, that oxidizes rapidly in air, and can react violently with water — generating enough heat to cause a fire. Small potassium combustible metal fires are extinguished in a laboratory with Class D fire extinguishers. Potassium metal is not to be confused with potassium hydroxide.

Potassium ions — sometimes simply called ‘potassium’ — are positive ions and vital electrolytes in human physiology that are important for nerve conduction, muscle contractions, and cardiac contractions (beating of the heart). The potassium ion is the main intracellular ion for all cells, and is also important for maintenance of fluid and electrolyte balance. Bananas, orange juice, avocados and apricots are some of many fruits that are a good source of ‘potassium’ or more accurately — potassium ions.

Police investigators, fire investigators, the Illinois State Fire Marshal and OSHA personnel were all on the scene by about 1:00 p.m. Tuesday. OSHA will likely present a detailed report of the cause of the accident with recommendations for preventing future industrial accidents, but the report could take about six months to be completed.

According to officials, no criminal activity is suspected related to the explosion, which is believed to be an industrial accident.

No visible damage was seen outside the building. Fire Chief Glenn Ericksen and police Capt. Ken Galinski reported that there was twisted metal inside related to the explosion. The roof was also slightly buckled in the explosion. Some gravel rock was blown off the roof of the building and damaged about 20 cars parked near the building.

Firefighters from Buffalo Grove inspected the roof by way of their ladder tower truck.

According to their official website, Arens is a world leader in engineering and manufacturing of precision operator interface control systems as well as power management systems for commercial vehicles — including the hybrid vehicle market. Arens reports their engineers are focused on developing innovative solutions and next generation technology control and power management systems for commercial vehicle manufacturers.

Photo OSHA on the scene: Most rescue and investigator activity was on the northeast corner of the Arens building, 3602 North Kennicott Avenue, Arlington Heights.

Entrance to Arens control, 3602 N. Kennicott Ave. at the southeast corner of the building.

One Killed in Explosion in Arens Control Warehouse Building on North Kennicott, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:14:50 +0000

VIDEO: Extra-alarm ambulance response at Arens Control plant after an explosion killed one employee, injured seven employees, and also injured three police officers.

UPDATE: See The Cardinal Neil Nicholson Killed in Explosion at Work at Arens Controls, Arlington Heights …

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 8:38 a.m. Tuesday to a report of an explosion in a warehouse/factory at 3602 N. Kennicott Ave. in Arlington Heights. Police officers from Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove arrived first to help evacuate the building. Firefighters arrived to find the building being evacuated and some light smoke and twisted metal inside of the building.

One person — an employee of the company — is reported killed in some type of industrial accident and explosion — possibly involving potassium hydroxide.

At least 10 people were being examined by firefighter/paramedics, but they all seemed to be walking in good shape.

Seven employees were injured from concussion type injuries related to the blast wave of the explosion. Those injuries were reported to involve hearing-related injuries and chest pain.

Two Arlington Heights police officers and one Buffalo Grove police officer were also examined after experiencing minor symptoms and coughing from some type of exposure in the air inside the building. The police officers were first on the scene without respiratory protection. The police officers were released from the hospital by 11:20 a.m.

Investigators are on the scene, and firefighters ventilated the building.

No visible damage can be seen outside the building. Fire Chief Glenn Ericksen and police Capt. Ken Galinski reported that there is twisted metal inside related to the explosion. The roof was also slightly buckled in the explosion. Some gravel rock was blown off the roof of the building and damaged about 20 cars parked near the building.

Firefighters from Buffalo Grove inspected the roof by way of their ladder tower truck.

Arlington Heights Fire Department activated an extra alarm for mutual aid ambulances from Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Wheeling and others fire departments.

Photo: Most fire department activity is on the northeast corner of the Arens building, 3602 North Kennicott Avenue, Arlington Heights.

Entrance to Arens control, 3602 N. Kennicott Ave. at the southeast corner of the building.

Bicyclist Hit by Car ‘OK’ at Algonquin Rd and Cedar Glen, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:50:07 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 7:39 a.m. Wednesday to a report of a bicyclist hit by a car at Algonquin Road and Cedar Glen Drive. Police arrived first within three minutes, and reported that the cyclist reported he only had a scratch on his leg and didn’t require medical attention.

Light Smoke at Village Bank & Trust on Rand Road Caused by Rooftop Ventilation Unit

Cardinal News — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:05:02 +0000

Arlington Heights firefighters and Buffalo Grove firefighters responded about 12:45 PM Tuesday to report of smoke in the Village Bank & Trust at 150 E. Rand Rd. Firefighters reported a light haze in the building upon arrival, and discovered a malfunctioning rooftop ventilation unit. The rooftop ventilation unit was shut down and the building was cleared of danger.

Fully-Involved Minivan Fire at I-90 and Route 53 Extinguished be Arlington Heights and Schaumburg Firefighters

Cardinal News — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:08:04 +0000

Arlington Heights and Schaumburg firefighter/paramedics responded about 1:56 p.m. Monday to a minivan fire on a ramp to northbound Route 53 from westbound I-90. Firefighters on the scene reported a fully-involved minivan fire with a small grass fire near the ramp. No injuries were reported.

The ramp from westbound I-90 to northbound Route 53 was shut down by Illinois State Police.

Woman Injured Falling Out of Moving Car Near Arlington Park Racetrack, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:23:30 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics and Palatine firefighter/paramedics responded about 1:15 PM Sunday to Arlington Park Racetrack to a reporte that a woman fell out of a moving car and was injured.

Arlington Park Racetrack security was also on the scene.

Rear-End Crash, At Least 3 Hurt at Euclid Ave and Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Sun, 13 May 2012 18:12:48 +0000

Crash scene at Arlington Heights Road and Euclid Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

Arlington Heights police first received a report about 3:22 p.m. Saturday of a hit-and-run property damage crash, and that the offending vehicle was driving southbound on Arlington Heights Road after hiting a mail box near Arlington Heights Road and Olive Street. A witness followed the truck and updated the police with a report that the vehicle — a pickup truck — hit a stop sign near St. James School. About 3:23 p.m. police received a report that the truck rear-ended at least three vehicles at Euclid Avenue and Arlington Heights Road.

The driver was apparently impaired — possibly with a medical issue. At least two victims in other vehicles were injured. Three Arlington Heights Fire Department rescue ambulances were called to the scene. The driver that caused the rear-end crash was conscious, but appeared to be staggering and not alert. He was transported apparently with Advanced Life Support to Northwest Community Hospital. Two other victims were also transported to Northwest Community Hospital.

The crash occurred less than an hour after St. James Parish finished their second group of First Communion, which had involved busy vehicle traffic and pedestrian traffic in the path of the stricken driver and vehicle.

Firefighter/Paramedics Respond to Bystander CPR on Roadway Near Stonebridge Apartments, Rand Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:37:39 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 1:20 p.m. Friday to a report of a man down on a roadway to the Stonebridge Apartment, 700 West Rand Road. Police received a report that bystander CPR was underway. Emergency responders also received a report that ComEd was on the scene.

Person Arrested Yesterday for Running in Front of Cars Near Mariano’s, Hit Today at Kensington and Northwest Hwy

Cardinal News — Fri, 11 May 2012 18:18:50 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 8:17 a.m. Friday to a car vs pedestrian incident at Northwest Highway and Kensington Road. Police received a report that a person was hit by a red car. Police arrived first on the scene and reported a man down in the roadway.

The victim was transported to Level I Trauma Center Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge by Arlington Heights Fire Department firefighter/paramedics.

Yesterday police received several reports of a male/Hispanic subject wearing a black leather jacket that appeared to be trying to get hit by a car at Dryden and Northwest Highway. On the most recent call about 10:21 a.m. Thursday police spotted the man and tried to catch him about 10:53 a.m., but he ran into an apartment building near Dryden and Kensington. He ducked away and could not be found. Then about 11:15 a.m. police found the man and asked for backup because the officer was involved in a tussle with the man.

Police spent much of the morning searching and pursuing the man and had him in custody by about 11:17 a.m. at Kensington and Dryden. Police requested paramedics respond to evaluate the man. He was transported to Northwest Community Hospital by paramedics with police following.

The man was possibly arrested, released from the hospital, and also released from custody. Apparently today he was running into traffic again or was accidentally hit when he stumbled into the roadway. Arlington Heights police are investigating

The same man has been reported to be running into traffic near Northwest Highway for at least the past couple of months.

More Lightning Lights Up Sky After Striking House on Drury Ln at End of Storm

Cardinal News — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:31:02 +0000

Arlington Heights firefighters fighting an interior attack for a fire apparently caused by a lightning strike on North Drury Lane about 2:30 a.m. Friday, May 4, 2012.

Firefighters on the driveway prepare to go to the roof of a duplex to ventilate the roof and fight the fire with a line on the roof.

Arlington Heights firefighters put a quick stop on a roof and attic fire that was apparently caused by a lightning strike about 2:30 a.m. Friday. Did you hear the thunder? Even though the rain and thunderstorms were ending, an intense, bright flash and cloud-to-ground lightning strike hit the area and apparently caused serious house fire. The heaviest thunderstorms trained south of the northwest suburbs but affected Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Morton Grove, Lincolnwood, Harwood Heights and other suburbs south of Arlington Heights were hit with hail, heavy rain, high winds and intense lightning.

The Arlington Heights lightning strike was nature’s encore for our area, which only experienced moderate rain and no severe thunderstorms. The stormy weather was almost finished when the duplex house on Drury Lane was hit, and seven residents had to evacuate their homes. See the report on the fire, including video, at The Cardinal Duplex House Fire After Lightning Strike on Drury Ln, Arlington Heights; 7 Residents Escape …

Intense cloud-to-cloud lightning provided a backdrop for firefighters that braved the danger of a house fire and lightning from a thunderstorm.

Lighting like a spider during a long streak of cloud-tp-cloud lightning after an earlier cloud-to-cloud strike ignited a duplex home.

A frame in time looks like daylight at 2:39 a.m. Friday morning.

Nature finishes its display of danger.

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Duplex House Fire After Lightning Strike on Drury Ln, Arlington Heights; 7 Residents Escape

Cardinal News — Fri, 04 May 2012 12:21:21 +0000

VIDEO: House fire on the second floor after lightning apparently ignited the roof of a duplex home on North Drury Lane.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 2:29 a.m. Friday to a report of a house struck by lightning in the 1700 block of North Drury Lane in Arlington Heights. Firefighters first received a report that no flames were showing, but that there was a smell of smoke in the house.

Residents in the duplex home all evacuated safely. A couple evacuated on one side, and a family of five evacuated on the other side with no reported injuries. One of the residents reported that he heard a strange noise like dripping or clicking after brilliant lightning and simultaneous thunder. Then his wife said she smelled smoked, but the man didn’t smell smoke. Next drywall on the wall and ceiling began to turn black, but still no smoke was seen.

The couple called 9-1-1 and evacuated while the family next door also evacuated. When they went outside, they could see flames were erupting from the roof. The 9-1-1 operators were updated, and firefighters immediately responded with a ‘working fire’ response, or Code 4.

When firefighters arrived they reported flames and smoke showing. They immediately emptied the onboard water tank from the first due engine, hitting the fire from the outside with one line to hold back the fire’s progress. The fire visible from the street disappeared, but reappeared about one minute later. Fire burned a hole through the roof. Firefighters set up for an interior attack and hit the fire from inside the home at the second floor level. Water streams were visible streaming upward from the hole in the roof, and then the fire went dark.

The remaining work of the firefighters included checking for extension, checking for remaining hot spots, soaking any hot spots, ventilating the roof, and putting salvage covers on furniture below the fire.

Mount Prospect firefighters gave an ‘all clear’ on the secondary search on the north residence of the duplex about 3:12 a.m. Firefighters reported some smoke coming from the south side. The two residences are separated by a fire wall. Firefighters checked the south side residence attic and reported light smoke, but no charring or high heat. The fire was stopped about 3:10 a.m. with firefighters working overhaul.

Firefighters from Buffalo Grove, Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows and others either worked at the fire scene or stood by at Arlington Heights fire stations to protect the rest of Arlington Heights.

Paul San Filippo and Hugh Scott Clark Killed in Plane Crash in Crystal Lake Near Lake in the Hills Airport

Cardinal News — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:35:30 +0000

A small plane crashed about 3:15 p.m. Thursday just northeast of of Lake in the Hills Airport, and east of Pyott Road. The crash site is near Pyott Road, James R Rakow Road, and Virginia Road in Crystal Lake. Two men on board the aircraft were killed when the plane crashed nose first into a barren lot and gravel pit area of Meyer Material, just east of the airport. The men have been identified as Paul San Filippo, 82, and Hugh Scott Clark, 65. No information is available regarding who was flying the aircraft.

Crystal Lake and Algonquin-Lake in the Hills firefighter/paramedics responded to the crash.

The aircraft was a single engine Beech S35 manufactured in 1964. The aircraft (N176Q) is registered to Paul San Filippo of Grayslake, Illinois.

A 1964 Beechcraft Bonanza crashed near runway 26 at Lake in the Hills airport.

View Larger Map
Approximate site of crash.

Two-Car Crash with Toyota Crashed Into Tree at Lake Cook Rd and Wilke Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:01:11 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 3:50 p.m. Thursday to a car crash with one car crashed into a tree crash at Lake Cook Road and Wilke Road. At least two people were reported injured.

A Ford Focus was damaged with heavy front-end damage, and silver Toyota Corola with front-end damage and also wrapped around a tree.

Buffalo Grove firefighter/paramedics also responded to the crash.

Crash with Injuries Palatine and Kennicott Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 22:49:31 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 5:40 p.m. Thursday to a crash with injuries at Palatine Road and Kennicott Avenue. At least one person injured. A Honda Civic was heavily damaged in the crash with a white Chevy truck.

RED FLAG WARNING, Extra Risk for Wildfires Today 11 AM to 7 PM

Cardinal News — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:08:05 +0000

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
440 AM CDT MON APR 23 2012

COOK-LAKE IN-PORTER-
440 AM CDT MON APR 23 2012

National Weather Service …RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM THIS MORNING TO
7 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND STRONG WINDS
FOR AREAS AWAY FROM LAKE MICHIGAN…

* AFFECTED AREA…COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS AND LAKE AND PORTER
COUNTIES IN INDIANA.

* WINDS…NORTH TO NORTHEAST 15 TO 20 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 MPH.

* TIMING…CONDITIONS MAY REACH RED FLAG WARNING CRITERIA BRIEFLY
THIS AFTERNOON AWAY FROM LAKE MICHIGAN.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AS LOW AS 25 PERCENT.

* IMPACTS…ANY SMALL FIRE MAY QUICKLY SPREAD AND BECOME A
WILDFIRE.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A FIRE WEATHER WATCH MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
MAY OCCUR. LISTEN FOR LATER FORECASTS AND POSSIBLE RED FLAG
WARNINGS.

A RED FLAG WARNING MEANS THAT CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS
ARE EITHER OCCURRING NOW…OR WILL SHORTLY. A COMBINATION OF
STRONG WINDS…LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AND WARM TEMPERATURES WILL
CREATE EXPLOSIVE FIRE GROWTH POTENTIAL.

Yaris Rollover Crash by Portillo’s, Dundee Rd, Arlington Heights Friday

Cardinal News — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:00:10 +0000

VIDEO: Rollover crash near Portillo’s in the 800 block of West Dundee Road blocks westbound traffic Friday just after noon.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 12:30 p.m. Friday to a rollover crash in the 800 block of West Dundee Road. A Toyota Camry and a Toyota Yaris crashed near a driveway entrance/exit to Ridge Plaza. At least one person was injured.

Westbound lanes of Dundee Road were blocked for a short time period. The roadway was cleared within about 25 minutes.

Fully-Involved Car Fire at Walmart, Rolling Meadows

Cardinal News — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:45:22 +0000

Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows firefighters responded about 7:35 a.m. Sunday to a report of a car fire in the parking lot at Walmart, 1460 Golf Road. An older model red Pontiac was well-involved with fire. Firefighters were out with one line.

No reports of any injuries.

VIDEO: DUI Car vs. Tree Crash on West Thomas St, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:53:02 +0000

VIDEO: Mitsubishi Lancer crashed into tree on West Thomas Street, Arlington Heights.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 5:23 a.m. Sunday to a car vs. tree crash in the 1200 block of West Thomas Street. Police arrived first and reported that the male driver was refusing an ambulance. The vehicle had front and side air bags deployed. Paramedics continued their response, but did not transport the driver.

The driver was arrested DUI and transported to Arlington Heights Police Department Headquarters. The vehicle with heavy front-end damage was towed to a police holding area.

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Extra Alarm House Fire on South Fernandez Ave, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 04:06:12 +0000

VIDEO: Basement/House fire with heavy smoke on South Fernandez Avenue.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 5:06 p.m. Wednesday to a report of a house fire with a lot of smoke in the 1100 block of South Fernandez Avenue. A police officer first on the scene reported a man — the homeowner — escaped, but had some burn injuries. Firefighters reported they had a basement fire, and immediately worked to attack the fire. Firefighter/paramedics immediately gave aid to the homeowner and transported him to Northwest Community Hospital.

Firefighters went into the basement for an interior attack, but heavy, blowing smoke, and intense heat in the basement forced them to back out. Firefighters deployed a cellar nozzle in a south window well to the basement, but fire was able to spread to the first floor. Firefighters were ventilating on the second floor roof, and firefighters were on the sunroom roof ventilating windows when part of the first floor collapsed. No firefighters were inside the house when the floor collapsed. Firefighters on the sunroom roof were immediately ordered off of the sunroom roof. Firefighters had about five lines on the fire. Extension to the first floor initially flared up and threatened to ignite the rear first floor of the house and sunroom after part of the first floor collapsed. However, firefighters were able to keep the fire in check with multiple hose lines and two cellar nozzles on the fire.

Arlington Heights fire command called for a MABAS Box Alarm for an extra alarm fire at about 5:26 p.m.

One Arlington Heights firefighter was apparently overcome by the basement heat or was injured when he was near a flashover that might have occurred in the basement. He was transported to Northwest Community Hospital, but was well enough to be frustrated with his predicament and his requirement to leave the scene. He was apparently released later that night — not confirmed, officially.

The fire was declared struck out at about 7:10 p.m. Firefighters were at the scene working and preparing for investigation past 10:45 a.m.

Firefighters from Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Elk Grove Township, Hoffman Estates, Mount Prospect, Palatine, Palatine Rural, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and others assisted Arlington Heights firefighters either at the scene or covering the rest of the village.

Three-Vehicle Injury Crash on Palatine Rd Near Route 53, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:43:26 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 7:53 a.m. Tuesday to a crash at westbound Palatine Road, just before the northbound ramp to Route 53. At least one person in the middle vehicle in a three-vehicle crash was injured. The crash damaged a GMC Acadia, a Nissan Altima, and a Mercury Sable. The Nissan Altima and the Mercury Sable received heavy front-end damage.

Route 12 Closed: Live Power Line Down on Rand Rd Between Schoenbeck and Camp McDonald

Cardinal News — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:10:04 +0000

Mount Prospect police blocked access to northwestbound Rand Road from Schoenbeck Road for over three hours on Monday morning after high winds brought down a tree branch that dropped primary power lines (SOURCE: Reader photo).

Mount Prospect firefighters responded about 8:57 a.m. Monday to a report of a tree down on power lines with fire showing near Rand Road between Schoenbeck and Euclid Avenue. Mount Prospect firefighters reported a primary line down, and request Com Ed respond to the scene about 9:03 a.m. Arlington Heights police were on the scene with Mount Prospect police for lane blockage and traffic management. Police reported about 9:10 a.m. Monday that a power line was down across Rand Road. A tree brought down a power line in the southeastbound lanes of Rand Road, near Schoenbeck Road. The power lines were live.

Arlington Heights closed southeastbound Rand Road traffic at Camp McDonald Road and Mount Prospect police closed down northwestbound Rand Road traffic at Schoenbeck and at Euclid Avenue.

At about 9:58 a.m. Com Ed reported a 45 minute ETA to respond to the repair of the line across a U.S. state highway. Com Ed arrived about 10:55 a.m. Com Ed had numerous calls across Chicagoland

Police started opening up Rand Road just after 12 noon. One lane of southeastbound Rand Road will be blocked for an extended period while repairs continue.

Rollover Crash on Arlington Heights Rd North of Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:17:38 +0000

VIDEO: Rollover crash on Arlington Heights Road north of Alqonquin Road during Monday evening rush hour.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 4:46 p.m. Monday to a rollover crash in the 2100 block of South Arlington Heights Road.

At least one person was injured in a two-car crash. A blue Hyundai SUV was upside down on the median after crashing with a black 4-door Subaru Legacy.

RED FLAG WARNING Chicagoland and Much of Illinois

Cardinal News — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:16:38 +0000

URGENT – FIRE WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE CHICAGO IL
1102 AM CDT MON APR 9 2012

WINNEBAGO-BOONE-MCHENRY-LAKE IL-OGLE-LEE-DE KALB-KANE-DUPAGE-COOK-
LA SALLE-KENDALL-GRUNDY-WILL-KANKAKEE-LIVINGSTON-IROQUOIS-FORD-
LAKE IN-PORTER-NEWTON-JASPER-BENTON-
1102 AM CDT MON APR 9 2012 /1202 PM EDT MON APR 9 2012/

…RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT /8 PM EDT/
THIS EVENING FOR LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND STRONG WINDS FOR
NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA…

* AFFECTED AREA…NORTHERN ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

* WINDS…NORTHWEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 40 MPH.

* TIMING…FROM LATE THIS MORNING THROUGH LATE THIS AFTERNOON.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…AS LOW AS 15 TO 25 PERCENT.

* IMPACTS…CONDITIONS WILL BECOME FAVORABLE FOR RAPID GROWTH OF
WILDFIRES.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Power Failure/Palatine Road Closed for Power Line Down Across All Lanes in Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 23:46:03 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighters responded about 6 PM to a power line down across always a Palatine Road. Palatine Road is closed in both directions — express lanes and frontage lanes between Schoenbeck Road and Windsor Drive. A power line needs to be re-strung and is expected to be reinstalled by about 7:30 PM Saturday.

Neighbors in the area reported a power surge and a loud humming noise and then loss of power.

ComEd, Comcast, WOW technicians are on the scene and checking their lines.

Palatine Road — all lanes open in both directions at about 8:15 p.m.

Extrication Crash at Kirchhoff Rd and Ridge Ave, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:39:35 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 11:15 a.m. Thursday to a crash requiring extrication on Kirchhoff Road near Ridge Avenue. At least one person was reported injured.

Firefighters worked on extrication procedures to free at least one person from one of the vehicles.

Rollover Crash on Rand Road, Just East of Route 53, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:37:04 +0000

Video of firefighter/paramedic extrication rescue of driver of Chevy Trailblazer.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 10:30 a.m. Thursday to a crash requiring extrication on Rand Road between Route 53 and Wilke Road. Police and firefighter/paramedics arrived to find a Chevrolet Trailblazer on its passenger side with a female driver still seat-belted in the driver’s seat.

Firefighters cut the roof off of the SUV to safely remove the driver from the SUV. The driver at first impression did not appear to be seriously injured. The driver was transported to Northwest Community Hospital.

Crash with Minor Injuries on EB Dundee Rd Near Wilke Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:39:11 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 6:27 PM Wednesday to a crash with injuries at Dundee and Wilke. Police first on the scene report the crash is on eastbound Dundee Road West of Wilke Road. Expect traffic back up, especially eastbound Dundee Rd., Arlington Heights.

Injuries minor, but airbags were deployed. At least one vehicle — Subaru Impreza had heavy front-end damage. A black Jeep Cherokee was also damaged.

Dog Killed in House Fire on North Stratford Road, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 01:54:31 +0000

VIDEO: Firefighters put a quick stop to kitchen fire on North Stratford Road.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 5:23 p.m. Monday to a report of a house fire in the 700 block of North Stratford Road. Emergency responders received a report while they were responding that a neighbor said the front door was hot and that smoke was showing from the roof and vents.

Dark smoke was coming out of the front door when firefighters opened the door. Brown smoke rolled out the top of the front door as firefighters advanced a hose line to the kitchen. Firefighters reported a fire in the kitchen in a single-family ranch home. The fire was knocked by 5:35 p.m.

While firefighters were searching for victims and a dog, they received word that know people in the house, but that a dog was in the house. The dog was discovered dead in the house about 5:38 p.m. Firefighters gave the dog oxygen at the parkway, but were unable to rescue the dog. The dog apparently died of smoke inhalation. Two searches of the house found concluded that there were no other victims.

Firefighters ventilated the house and cleared remaining smoke that was in the house.

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Train Pedestrian Incident Metra Northwest Line Near Vail Ave, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:50:52 +0000

UPDATE: A man’s death after being hit by a Metra passenger train has been ruled a suicide.

Looking toward westbound Train 631, which was involved in a train vs. pedestrian incident about 5:17 p.m. and was stopped near the Jewel-Osco, 122 North Vail Avenue. Accident scene is to the left of picture — out of range of the photograph (photo submitted by a Cardinal reader).

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 5:20 p.m. Friday to a train vs. pedestrian incident on the Union Pacific Northwest Line near Vail Avenue, which is the furthest west grade crossing in the downtown area of Arlington Heights. Police were immediately working on an accident investigation involving a fatality. Metra police were also on the scene.

Metra trains were stopping Mount Prospect and unloading outbound passengers in Mount Prospect. Many passengers were seen walking westbound along the Northwest Highway sidewalk past Mariano’s Fresh Market.

Arlington Heights police handed the scene over to Metra police at about 7:38 p.m. Friday. Metra also began to run trains through downtown Arlington Heights about that time.

On the Metra schedule, Train #631 departs Chicago at 4:45 p.m. and stops at Clybourn at 4:54 p.m. Train #631 is an express train all the way to Barrington, with a scheduled arrival time of 5:27 p.m. The end of the line for Train 631 is McHenry, with a scheduled arrival time of 6:02 p.m.

Developing …

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Fires, Smoke Reports in Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, South Barrington, Rolling Meadows, and Palatine Have Been Controlled Burns

Cardinal News — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:59:24 +0000

Police and firefighters in the northwest suburbs of Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, and South Barrington have received reports for fires and heavy black smoke throughout the day.

Controlled burns have been ongoing during the day in Hoffman Estates.

Fire departments in the area have responded to the reports, and have confirmed large smoke headers in the area. Schaumburg firefighter confirmed a controlled burn west of Springinsguth Road and Bode Road about noon Tuesday, March 13, 2012. Firefighters reported the fire was ‘going pretty well’ meaning it was well-involved. Firefighters checked with the officials conducting the controlled burn to confirm that everything was under control.

Other controlled burns were continuing throughout the day.

Forest Preserve District of Cook County has an official web page that announces Trail Closures, Prescribed Burns and other Work …

http://fpdcc.com/preserves-and-trails/trail-closures/

Lake County Forest Preserves Contolled Burning page is listed here …
http://www.lcfpd.org/nature_net/index.cfm?fuseaction=nature.burn

No announcements were listed for today for Cook County or Lake County. The work is therefore likely being done on private property or other park district property by wildland firefighter contractors.

An unscheduled fire erupted in the Deer Grove Forest Preserved on Saturday evening, March 10, 2012. Municipal firefighters and wildland firefighters fought the brush fire for about five hours to keep it under control and protect nearby structures. See more at The Cardinal Extra Alarm Wildfire: Fire Burns North End of Deer Grove Forest Preserve Near Lake Cook Rd, Palatine, South of Deer Park Town Center

VIDEO of brush fire on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at Deer Grove Forest Preserved, Palatine.

Repeat Trouble with Com Ed Power Lines Near East Lillian Ave and Arlington Heights Rd Neighborhood

Cardinal News — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:16:04 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 3:53 a.m. Monday to the area of Palatine Road and Arlington Heights Road and also near Arlington Heights Road and Lillian Avenue.

During a minor snow storm on February 24, 2011, line trouble occurred about one block south at Thomas Street and Vail Avenue.

In the past two years lines have been down between Maude Avenue and Lillian Avenue, just west of Arlington Heights Road. There was also a problem with a power feed grounding out from overhead lines down a pole to underground equipment, just north of Maude Avenue in the parkway east of Arlington Heights Road (date unknown). The incident cause a large bang and humming noise, but no power failure occurred after the noise.

Several alarms were activated by power trouble in the area Monday morning.

Impaired Driver on Video Charged with DUI Alcohol, DUI Drugs After Police Rescue at Dundee Rd and Kennicott Ave

Cardinal News — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:28:03 +0000

VIDEO: An Arlington Heights police officer cut off the ignition of a Honda Civic driven by an impaired driver before the vehicle entered the Dundee Road and Kennicott Avenue intersection Friday during a rush hour with snow and ice (Police intervention is at 3:15 elapsed time).

Impaired driver and innocent motorists rescued by Arlington Heights police officer before impaired driver’s vehicle reaches busy intersection.

A driver that was rescued by an Arlington Heights police officer last Friday before he drifted into cross traffic on Dundee Road at Kennicott Avenue has been charged with DUI/Alcohol, DUI/Drugs, DUI/Intoxicating Compound, Improper Traffic Lane Usage and Unlawful Stopping/Standing/Parking.

Arlington Heights police responded about 5:37 p.m. Friday to a make-your-own case call after an impaired driver was reported possibly DUI on westbound University Drive and then northbound Kennicott Avenue.

The driver was first observed by another motorist running a red light, traveling from eastbound Hintz Road to northbound Arlington Heights Road. The driver made a wide turn hitting the Arlington Heights Road median just north of Hintz Road. The vehicle, a Honda Civic, was driven down the center lane markers between the curb lane and the center lane of Arlington Heights Road. The driver then began to bounce off the curb and slowed to a stop, then immediately started again to proceed northbound on Arlington Heights Road.

Next the driver turned left to proceed westbound on University Drive and again bouncing off the curb. The driver came to the T-intersection at University Drive and Kennicott Avenue, blowing the stop sign and heading straight through the intersection until almost hitting the curb. The driver then made a hard right and traveled northbound in the southbound lane of Kennicott Avenue. The driver almost hit a southbound vehicle, but passed it on the southbound vehicle’s passenger side. The driver continued north on Kennicott Avenue in the southbound lane and almost hit another southbound car head-on. The driver of the Honda Civic passed the southbound vehicle on the driver’s side and continued northbound after traveling an S-curve on the wrong side of the road. After the S-curve, the driver returned to the northbound lanes of Kennicott Avenue and stopped behind the brake lights of vehicles waiting in the left turn lane of northbound Kennicott Avenue to westbound Dundee Road.

When the traffic signal turned green, the line of cars proceeded. The driver of the Honda Civic did not advance — leaving about four or five car-lengths in front of him to the Dundee Road intersection. The driver then advanced slowly and came to a stop again. When the driver appeared to be unresponsive to the traffic signal, the witness called 9-1-1 again to report that the driver appeared to have lost consciousness and requested paramedics.

The impaired driver then advanced again, and began to pass the crosswalk. Cross traffic on Dundee Road, which moves at about 40-50 mph, began to sound their horns at the driver of the Honda Civic. An Arlington Heights police arrived and immediately opened the door of the vehicle and reached for the car to turn off the engine by the key/ignition switch. Paramedics arrived less than a minute later, and transferred the male driver to the ambulance.

The driver was transported to Northwest Community Hospital where a workup was determining whether he was medically impaired or DUI.

View DUI on Video 3-2-2012 in a larger map

Reasonable Suspicion to Investigate A Driver for DUI

Driving under the influence of alcohol to the extent that mental or motor skills are impaired is illegal in all jurisdictions in the United States. There are several traffic situations when a police officer comes into contact with a driver, and then follows procedures which lead to a DUI arrest:

The driver has been involved in an automobile accident and the officer has responded to the accident scene and is conducting an investigation.
The driver has been stopped at a sobriety checkpoint (also known as roadblocks).
The police have received a report, possibly via 9-1-1 from an anonymous citizen, that a driver appears to be DUI. The police officer usually verifies the erratic driving before makeing the traffic stop.
The patrol officer has observed erratic, suspicious driving, or a series of traffic infractions indicating the possibility that the driver may be impaired. This is by far the most common reason for stopping a suspect.
A police officer has stopped a vehicle for a lesser traffic offense and notices the signs of intoxication.

The following list of DUI symptoms, from a publication issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (DOT HS-805-711), is widely used in training officers to detect drunk drivers. After each symptom is a percentage figure which, according to NHTSA, indicates the statistical chances (%) through research, that a driver is over the legal limit.

Turning with wide radius, 65
Straddling center or lane marker, 65
Appearing to be drunk, 60
Almost striking object or vehicle, 60
Weaving, 60
Driving on other than designated roadway, 55
Swerving, 55
Slow speed (more than 10mph below limit), 50
Stopping (without cause) in traffic lane, 50
Drifting, 50
Following too closely, 45
Tires on center or land marker, 45
Braking erratically, 45
Driving into opposing or crossing traffic, 45
Signaling inconsistent with driving actions, 40
Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane), 35
Turning abruptly or illegally, 35
Accelerating or decelerating rapidly, 30
Headlights off, 30

If the officer observes enough to have a reasonable suspicion to legally justify a further detention and investigation, he will ask the driver to step out of the vehicle.
Reasonable suspicion requires less evidence than probable cause, but more than a mere hunch. A rule of thumb is that reasonable suspicion requires 25 % proof, and probable cause requires more than 50 % statistical chance. Therefore, if there is probable cause for arrest for DWI, as suggested by the research and examples used above, then there is reasonable suspicion to stop a driver.

Investigation
A police officer typically approaches the driver’s side window and asks some preliminary questions. During this phase of the traffic stop the officer will note if they detect any of the following indicators of intoxication

odor of an alcoholic beverage on the driver’s breath or in the car generally
slurred speech in response to the questioning
watery, blood shot, and/or reddish eyes
flushed face
droopy eyelids
difficulty in understanding and responding intelligently to question
fumbling with his or her driver’s license and registration
the plain-view presence of containers of alcoholic beverages in the vehicle.
admission of consumption of alcoholic beverage

Streets of Arlington Don’t Drink & Drive by Arlingtoncardinal
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Car vs. Truck Crash on Dundee Rd. at Arlington Heights Injures Woman

Cardinal News — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:58:14 +0000

Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 10:40 a.m. Tuesday to a car vs. truck crash on Dundee Road near Arlington Heights Road. A woman was seriously injured in her car when she apparently rear-ended a truck on eastbound Dundee Road.

Long Grove firefighter/paramedics responded with an available ambulance. The woman was transported to Northwest Community Hospital.

Eastbound Dundee Road was blocked at Ridge Avenue from about 10:45 a.m. until about 11:02 a.m.

Car vs. Motorcycle Crash on North Wilke Rd, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:35:49 +0000

VIDEO: Aftermath of car vs. motorcycle crash in the 3100 block of North Wilke Road.

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 2:05 p.m. Tuesday to a report of a car vs. motorcycle crash at Rand Road and Wilke Road. Emergency responders received a report that the motorcyclist was still down.

Police discovered the crash on Wilke Road north of Rand Road and south of Cellular Drive — about one-quarter mile north of Rand Road and Wilke Road.

The injured motorcyclist was transported to Northwest Community Hospital by Buffalo Grove firefighter/paramedics.

VIDEO: Impaired Driver Rescued By Arlington Heights Police Officer, Dundee and Kennicott

Cardinal News — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 18:09:31 +0000

UPDATE: The driver/subject of this article has been charged with DUI/Alcohol, DUI/Drugs, DUI/Intoxicating Compound, Improper Traffic Lane Usage and Unlawful Stopping/Standing/Parking.

Impaired driver and innocent motorists rescued by Arlington Heights police officer before impaired driver’s vehicle reaches busy intersection.

The driver was transported to Northwest Community Hospital where a workup was determining whether he was medically impaired or DUI.

View DUI on Video 3-2-2012 in a larger map

Injury Crash with Lanes Blocked in Both Directions at Lake Cook Rd, Just West of Arlington Heights Rd

Cardinal News — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 03:08:31 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 9:00 p.m. to a personal injury crash on Lake Cook Rd, just west of Arlington Heights Road. Police arrived to find lane blockage in both directions across Lake Cook Road. Westbound Lake Cook Road was totally blocked at Arlington Heights Road.

A female in a Kia was reported injured.

Expect traffic delays in the area. The crash involved a silver Olds Alero with heavy front-end damage, and a red Kia Spectra with heavy front end damage.

Buffalo Grove police assisted Arlington Heights police on Lake Cook Road.

Apartment Fire on South Tonne Rd Contained to a Bathroom, Arlington Heights

Cardinal News — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:47:09 +0000

Arlington Heights police and firefighter/paramedics responded about 7:35 a.m. Tuesday to 2135 South Tonne Drive to a report of a fire in the bathroom. Resident reported flames and smoke showing in a second floor apartment bathroom. Residents reported they were evacuated from their own unit, but no other residents were report evacuated.

First firefighters report smoke in an apartment unit on the west end of the building with heat behind a door. Searches are underway and firefighter were working on the fire by by 7:42 a.m.

Fire was reported contained to the bathroom with some involvement in the walls. Firefighters were checking for extension, and were working on ventilation. Fire was reported out by about 7:45 a.m.