The Chicago Tribune reported this morning about a house fire in Aurora that left three people injured and four dogs rescued. According to officials, the incident occurred at 9:55 a.m. on the 900 block of Garfield Avenue in Aurora's far western suburb. The fire was classified as a two-alarm blaze, prompting 50 firefighters, including members from Aurora’s rapid intervention team, to respond.
The two-story home was declared a total loss, with flames spreading into walls and the attic, making it challenging to control. Three individuals—two women and one man—were hospitalized for smoke inhalation and minor injuries, all considered non-life-threatening. One of the women and the man were rescued from a rear upper porch by three Aurora police officers, with assistance from an 18-year-old neighbor, Josue Lopez, who used a ladder before emergency crews arrived.
Local agencies like Sugar Grove and North Aurora were on scene, while Naperville and Oswego provided additional support. The fire took over two hours to fully extinguish, leaving the home severely damaged.
From The Beacon-News, we learn more about the heroic actions of Lopez, who witnessed the fire as he and his family were leaving their home. He heard screams and saw a young woman running out of the burning house. She told him her parents were still inside. Without hesitation, Lopez rushed to help.
Inside, Dave Dykstra, 51, and his wife Valerie, 50, were trapped near a broken window, covered in glass cuts. Lopez tried to free a ladder but found it chained. He then convinced the couple to jump from the roof. As he did, Aurora police arrived, cut the ladder free, and helped the couple to safety.
Firefighters from Aurora, Sugar Grove, and North Aurora worked together to put out the fire, which caused over $300,000 in damage. No cause has been determined yet, and the Aurora Fire Department’s arson team is still investigating.
Both Dave and Valerie were treated for injuries and are in stable condition. Their daughter and four dogs escaped unharmed. Lopez, though hailed as a hero, downplayed his actions, saying he simply did what had to be done.
“I wasn’t going to leave them there,†he said. “I hope someone would do the same for us.â€
Thanks to Dan and John for the updates.
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