The Village of Park Forest is calling on the community to come together and help several displaced families after a fire on Friday night.
The Park Forest Police Department responded to a structure fire in the 0-100 block of Indianwood Blvd. around 9 p.m. When first responders arrived, they evacuated the building as the fire spread throughout the complex.
Park Forest Fire Department Deputy Chief Mark Cotrano was on the fire scene and said emergency crews worked hard to extinguish the fire into the early morning hours. After the fire was extinguished, the state fire marshal assisted with investigating the cause of the fire - which was the extensive use of power strips and extension cords.
"At the end of the day, we do not like coming to your house to fight a fire," Cotrano said. "We would rather prevent it. We often see extension cord (electrical) use as a cause of fires and would like to bring to attention the potential disaster it can cause."
Cotrano added, "Also, we would like to remind the public to check their smoke detectors as they are often your first line of defense in alerting you to a fire."
None of the residents were injured. Nevertheless, 19 residents have been displaced, and the American Red Cross is assisting those families.
The Village has set up a donation bin in the Village Hall lobby and is asking the community to help fellow Park Foresters.
Below is a list of necessities needed:
- Clothes
- Nonperishable foods
- toiletries