Dec. 23, 2022 - On Friday, December 23 at 12:23 a.m., the Oak Park Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 227 South Blvd. Upon arrival, smoke was visible inside a vacant first-floor business. Fire spread from the first floor through the walls up to second and third floor residences. It also moved to surrounding units in the area. With the mutual aid of several other jurisdictions, including Berwyn, Cicero, Forest Park, North Riverside, Franklin Park, Broadview, Stickney and Elmwood Park, the three-alarm fire was deemed under control at approximately 3:30 a.m.
A total of 36 units in the area were impacted due to fire, smoke/water damage, or utilities being shut off. The Oak Park Police Department assisted in safely evacuating and relocating all impacted residents to a safe and warm location. Many displaced residents were able to make additional temporary arrangements with family and friends; the American Red Cross was able to assist with locating shelter for additional residents in need.
There are no injuries to residents reported; one Oak Park firefighter was transported to Loyola University Medical Center and has been released to full duty.
A preliminary investigation determined that the fire was electrical in nature.