The Chicago Tribune reported on a house fire that occurred this morning in Aurora, leaving three residents injured and four dogs rescued. According to officials, the incident took place at 9:55 a.m. on the 900 block of Garfield Avenue in Aurora’s far western suburb. The blaze, classified as a two-alarm fire, required the deployment of 50 firefighters, including members from the Aurora Fire Department’s rapid intervention team.
The two-story home was declared a total loss after flames spread into the walls and attic, making it extremely difficult to control. Two women and one man were hospitalized for smoke inhalation, cuts, and scrapes—though officials confirmed the injuries are not life-threatening. One of the women and the man were rescued from a rear upper porch by three Aurora police officers, with the help of an 18-year-old neighbor who used a ladder before emergency crews arrived.
Assisting agencies included Sugar Grove and North Aurora fire departments, while Naperville and Oswego provided additional support during the operation. The fire is still under investigation, and no cause has been officially determined yet.
From The Beacon-News, we learned more about the dramatic rescue led by 18-year-old Josue Lopez, who played a key role in saving two people from the burning home. Lopez and his family were leaving their house on Garfield Avenue when they heard screams coming from a nearby residence. A young woman had just escaped from the house, saying her parents were still inside. Without hesitation, Lopez rushed over and found Dave Dykstra, 51, and his wife Valerie, 50, trapped upstairs.
“They were bleeding from broken glass,†Lopez said. “I had to get them out.†He tried to free a ladder but found it chained. After a tense moment, Aurora police officers arrived, cut the ladder loose, and helped the couple jump to safety.
It took over two hours for more than 50 firefighters from three departments to bring the fire under control. The home on Garfield Avenue was reduced to a charred frame. Both Dave and Valerie were taken to the hospital with injuries from smoke and broken glass, but they are in stable condition. Their daughter and four dogs escaped unharmed.
Lopez, who called himself “just someone who did what he had to do,†said he wasn’t thinking about being a hero. “I hope someone would do the same for us,†he said. The fire caused over $300,000 in damage, and the Aurora Fire Department’s arson team is continuing its investigation.
Thanks to Dan and John for the updates.
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