On Friday, January 9, 2026, at approximately 6:50 am, the Mount Prospect Fire Department responded to a report of an outside fire involving a possible gas grill on the 1300 block of W. Busse Avenue. Upon learning that the grill was located immediately adjacent to the residence, the response was upgraded at 6:52 am to a possible structure fire. First arriving fire companies were on scene within five minutes, and conditions warranted an upgrade to a structure fire.

Firefighters were able to wake and alert the homeowner, assisting them safely out of the residence before beginning fire suppression operations. The fire extended from the rear into the attic spaces of the split-level home. Firefighters were required to perform overhaul in multiple attic areas to fully extinguish the fire and prevent further spread. There were approximately 30 firefighters on scene, and the Mount Prospect Fire Department was assisted by Arlington Heights and Des Plaines Fire Departments along with Prospect Heights and Glenview providing change-of-quarters coverage.

The fire is currently under investigation, but it is believed to be accidental in nature. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. Damage to the home is estimated at approximately $125,000.

"This incident serves as an important reminder for residents to ensure they have working smoke alarms installed inside bedrooms, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of their home. Properly installed and maintained smoke alarms can provide early warning and save lives,” Chief Tom Wang said.  

For more information on fire safety in the home, residents are encouraged to contact the Mount Prospect Fire Prevention Bureau at 847-818-5253.