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Fire Reported at Zion Lutheran School

At approximately 5:32pm, the DuPage Public Safety Communications Center (DuCom) received an activated fire alarm transmission from the Zion Lutheran School located at 125 S Vine. Hinsdale fire units (Tower 84, Medic 84 and Engine 84) all responded to the scene. On arrival, several people were seen evacuating from the building. Hinsdale Firefighters were told one of the students activated the pull station on the second floor because he saw smoke and smelled wood burning. Members of the Fire Department investigated, finding smoke in a second floor room. Captain John Giannelli immediately reported this to Lieutenant Bill Claybrook, who in turn elevated the response to a general alarm. This brought additional fire companies from neighboring towns. Chief Rick Ronovksy also responded and established incident command upon his arrival.

Hinsdale Fire companies removed several ceiling tiles in a second floor classroom to reveal a small fire in the space between the second floor drop ceiling and the roof construction. The fire was quickly extinguished by Hinsdale engine company with two separate fire extinguishers. Damage was contained to a four by four area of the drop ceiling located in room #1. Zion Lutheran representatives were notified of the situation and responded to the scene immediately.

Once the fire was extinguished, overhaul efforts and ventilation of smoke were conducted with the help of fire companies from Oak Brook, Clarendon Hills, Pleasantview, Westmont, Argonne, and LaGrange. Oakbrook Terrace and Brookfield Fire Departments stood by the Hinsdale Fire Station for any additional calls for emergency within the Village of Hinsdale. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but appears to be accidental in nature. Nobody was injured during this fire and damages were estimated at $75,000.