7 Injured In Condo Fire, Explosion: Des Plaines FD

DES PLAINES, IL — At least seven people were injured early Wednesday in a reported fire and explosion at a three-story condominium building.

According to the Des Plaines Fire Department, a total of 15 patients were evaluated at the scene, with the seven injured taken to area hospitals. Of those hospitalized, three are in critical condition, and four are stable.

Firefighters were called to the building in the 1200 block of Harding Street at around 12:56 a.m.

Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy fire conditions. Firefighters, assisted by Des Plaines police officers, conducted multiple ground‑ladder rescues from balconies during the initial stages of the incident.

Authorities said that due to the fire's intensity, operations shifted to a defensive posture until rescue efforts were completed. Once conditions improved, crews re‑entered the building using ground ladders and hand lines to resume fire suppression.

According to DPFD, operations were conducted with caution as firefighters advanced, continuously monitoring structural stability. The fire was brought under control at approximately 5:30 a.m. One company remained on scene monitoring for persistent hot spots, particularly on the roof. The building was deemed uninhabitable.

The American Red Cross were on scene providing assistance and resources to displaced residents.

Assisting departments on scene included Niles, Northfield, Winnetka, Park Ridge, Northbrook, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights, North Maine, Buffalo Grove, Chicago, Morton Grove, Glenview, Rolling Meadows, Rosemont, Schiller Park, and Wheeling.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Des Plaines Fire Department and Des Plaines Police Department, with assistance from Cook County, the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.