On Sept. 17, an abandoned house located at 1223 State St. broke out into a fire around 1:10 p.m. With the Lemont Fire Department getting the call from an off-duty fire district employee, they were quick to arrive five minutes later to assess the situation and start putting out the fire.

With the help of five surrounding fire departments, four engines, one tower truck, an ambulance, police officers and 20 firefighters, the fire was under control within 20 minutes of arrival. Two hose lines were utilized along with the tower ladder. They continued to stay put at the site for investigation and safety reasons.

During those few hours, a section of State Street was closed off except for emergency vehicles in order for firefighters to do their job safely.

The Lemont Fire Department noted that no injuries occurred and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the MABAS 19 fire investigators. However, the fire was reported starting on the first floor of the house and quickly moved up near the second floor.

According to a press release,  “The Lemont Fire Protection District reminds everyone to have working smoke detectors in their homes. Have an escape plan, practice it and be prepared to use it in the event of a fire. In an emergency, do not delay exiting the house to search for pets or other belongings.”