Fire On The 4th Floor Reminds Us To Be Prepared!

As we understand it, the Unit Owner of 409 was injured following a fire that broke out in the Unit.

It was explained to us by the fire commander on the scene that it was likely due to a cigarette, though first responders also reported there were candles present. Fortunately, flames appear to have been contained to the unit’s bedroom, but smoke impacted multiple units above, below and on the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th floor hallways.

To help vent smoke, first responders knocked out the bedroom windows and activated the building’s south stair smoke tower, as they were bringing conditions in the bedroom under control. Some smoke tower windows remain open to bring in more fresh air while our team is continuing their response. We’ve brought in ServPro, who is helping assess conditions, clean up, deodorize and help with gearing up for targeted repairs where necessary.

Our maintenance team and office will continue to be in contact with impacted units, as these efforts unfold.

For Our Part As A Community, Now Is A Great Time To Brush Up On Our Procedures For Responding To A Fire Event

One thing we observed from this event, that should bring some measure of solace – the fire stayed contained to the bedroom.

We are told thanks to Park Tower’s construction, this is the intended result of the building’s design. Keeping fires contained. In the past two decades, we’ve had 3 residential fires. In one case a Studio (where the resident was killed) and in the others, One Bedrooms – both fires were isolated to the bedrooms (the residents were injured). All alleged to result from a cigarette. And although we had to contend with smoke and some water damage in other locations, the fact flames remained isolated reinforces the notion there is protection inherent to the building’s design.

DO NOT LET THAT FACT DISARM YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!

Events can rage out of control very quickly and become even more chaotic, with little or no notice. There is plenty of such history in Chicago. We’ve seen these types of situations unfold at other high rise buildings, including those with similar construction design. Though we are told the safest place to remain when there is a fire in another location, is your unit unless otherwise instructed or you feel you are in immediate danger, that can change fast given the insidious nature of a high rise fire. There is still more to be aware of.

For example, if you do leave your unit,  unlock the door but close it behind you.

Click on the article below for a quick review of our resident procedures for responding to a fire emergency. And to download our full Resident Emergency Procedures Manual,  Click Here.

If you have any questions or would like to share any concerns or observation, please contact us at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.