Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: January 2, 2019
On January 2, 2019, at 2:53 p.m., Westmont Fire Department was dispatched to 250 W. 63rd Street, First Student, Inc. bus company in Westmont. The Fire Department arrived at the scene at 2:55 p.m. and witnessed heavy black smoke emitting from the rear of the building and immediately deployed hose lines to put out the fire. The building’s fire alarm was activated as was the sprinkler system. A First Student Supervisor alerted all occupants to evacuate immediately. One individual suffered smoke inhalation and was transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. The fire was under control and extinguished at 3:15 p.m.
Westmont Fire Department personnel determined that the cause of the fire was the result of a worker using a torch and accidentally set a bus seat on fire. The bus was inside of the building when the fire started. The building has been declared uninhabitable due to smoke and water damage. Fire Department personnel have been in contact with First Student regarding specific steps needed to re-occupy the building for business. The Westmont Fire Department estimates the fire caused over $150K in damages.
The Westmont Fire Department was assisted by Downers Grove, Clarendon Hills, and Tri-State Fire Departments. A total of 29 fire personnel were on the scene to work together and bring this fire under control.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont
Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280
lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
