Des Plaines Garage Fire Being Investigated

A detached garage in a residential area on the 70 block of S. Cumberland Parkway was filled with fire and smoke when Des Plaines firefighters arrived on the scene at 8:38 p.m. on Sept. 30, Fire Chief Alan Wax said.

No injuries were reported and the fire was extinguished within 15 minutes of the fire department’s arrival, Wax said. Fire investigators are still reviewing the incident. Wax said they have an idea about where the fire originated and they are working on determining the cause.

“All indications are that this was an accidental fire,” Wax said.

Wax said investigators looked at the building last night and on Monday, and are looking at the structure. He said the cause might have been electrical, but the investigation is not complete.

Items typically in garages were inside including toys, a workbench, storage, a freezer and more.

No other building besides the garage caught fire, and property loss was estimated at $17,500.

Wax said while the cause of this fire has not been determined yet, they always try to remind people to be careful with extension cords.

“Extension cords should be the same size or large than the cord the appliance has,” Wax said.

The Des Plaines Fire Department was dispatched at 8:34 p.m., and responded with two engines, two ladder trucks, two ambulances and a fire battalion chief. Mount Prospect Fire Department also responded to the scene with one engine.