The Chicago Tribune reported on a house fire that broke out this morning in Aurora, leaving three people injured and four dogs rescued. The incident occurred at 9:55 a.m. on the 900 block of Garfield Avenue in the far western suburb. According to officials, the two-alarm fire required the deployment of 50 firefighters, including members of the Aurora Fire Department's rapid intervention team.
The two-story home was declared a total loss after flames spread into the walls and attic, making it difficult to control. Two women and one man were hospitalized with smoke inhalation and minor injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening. One of the women and the man were rescued from a rear upper porch by three Aurora police officers and an 18-year-old neighbor, who used a ladder before emergency crews arrived.
Local agencies such as Sugar Grove and North Aurora assisted, while Naperville and Oswego provided additional support during the operation. The fire is still under investigation, and no cause has been officially determined yet.
From The Beacon-News, we learn more about the heroism of 18-year-old Josue Lopez, who played a key role in rescuing the couple trapped inside. Lopez and his family had just left their home when they heard screams coming from the burning house. A young woman had escaped, saying her parents were still inside. Without hesitation, Lopez rushed to help.
Inside, Dave Dykstra, 51, and his wife Valerie, 50, were struggling to escape through a broken window. Lopez tried to retrieve a ladder but found it chained. With the help of arriving police officers, the ladder was freed, allowing the couple to be safely lifted to safety. Lopez later said he didn’t see himself as a hero—just someone who did what needed to be done.
The fire took over two hours to fully extinguish, and the home at 922 Garfield was left as a charred shell. Both Dave and Valerie were treated for cuts and smoke inhalation and were in stable condition. Their daughter and four dogs escaped unharmed.
Firefighters from Aurora, Sugar Grove, North Aurora, Naperville, and Oswego worked together to manage the blaze. The Aurora Fire Department’s Arson Team is continuing its investigation, and the damage is estimated to be over $300,000. The community is still processing the events of the day, with many expressing gratitude for the quick response and brave actions of first responders and civilians alike.
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