As I sit here watching the aftermath of what was once a magnificent home, I can’t help but reflect on the events that unfolded just hours ago. It was around 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 22nd, when emergency calls started coming in about a fire at a residence located at 3159 Cuba Road in Long Grove. Initial reports suggested the flames had started on the roof, with the homeowner trying to douse them out themselves. This sprawling 6,000-square-foot house, featuring a cedar shake roof, sits back from the road, nestled amidst trees with a winding driveway and a wooden bridge providing access.
When responders arrived, they found not only the roof ablaze but also fire spreading into the attic at both the front and rear of the house. A quick assessment led to the dispatch of additional resources, including multiple tankers, as the situation escalated. Firefighters bravely attempted an interior attack, only to be pushed back due to the intensity of the flames. Defensive operations were quickly implemented, with Long Grove's Tanker 55, carrying 3,000 gallons of water, and Squad 55, holding 730 gallons, taking positions in the driveway. Not long after, Lake Zurich Engine 324 arrived with another 750 gallons of water, having stretched 750 feet of 5-inch hose up the driveway.
The alarm was soon upgraded to a MABAS Box Alarm, signaling the severity of the situation. As resources continued to pour in, the alarm was escalated further to a second and third alarm status. A deck gun was deployed to combat the inferno, using the initial 4,800 gallons of water before switching to a water supply sourced directly from the street. Tankers ferried water from two separate fill sites, one to the east and another to the west, ensuring the firefighting efforts could continue uninterrupted.
Inside the home, the intense heat caused ammunition stored within to explode, adding to the chaos. Embers carried by the wind sparked smaller brush fires to the east, spreading the destruction beyond the structure itself. Driven by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly, consuming the entire house and leaving nothing but ruins behind.
Looking at the photos taken by Larry Shapiro, it’s hard to fathom the scale of the devastation. The images capture the haunting remains of what was once a beautiful property, now reduced to ash and rubble. The community has come together, with numerous fire departments from surrounding areas responding to support the Long Grove Fire Protection District. An extensive list of agencies contributed personnel and equipment, forming a united front against the raging fire.
Even though the names of all the involved agencies aren't fully listed here, the collective effort is evident. From Long Grove’s battalion chief and chief to the additional support from Buffalo Grove, Prospect Heights, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, and many others, the response was both overwhelming and commendable. Watching the slideshow of images, you can see the tireless work put in by these brave men and women, who worked tirelessly to try and save the home and prevent further damage.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly a fire can escalate and the importance of having robust emergency services in place. As I write this, I’m filled with admiration for those who risked their lives to protect others and their property. The community will undoubtedly rally to support those affected, and perhaps, this tragedy will inspire stronger fire safety measures in the future.
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