The Hinsdale Fire Department responded to a reported apartment fire at about 3:30 a.m. on May 31, 2005. Units responded to 5716 South Washington Street to the Marquis apartment complex in southwest suburban Hinsdale, Illinois, a suburb 20 miles southwest of Chicago.
Upon arrival, firefighters found fire through the roof of the eight unit building. Command immediately requested a MABAS Div 10 box alarm (Box #10-03).
Firefighters were having water problems due to a broken water main. At approximately 4:20 a.m. a 2-11 MABAS Div 10 box alarm was called which brought in firefighters from nearby Clarendon Hills and the Pleasantview Fire Protection District.
Flames at one point were over 50 feet high.
Due to rapidly decreasing fire conditions, the emergency order was given to evacuate the building. A defensive attack was put into place.
All residents were able to escape without injury. All residents were displaced and the building is uninhabitable.
In all a total of 17 suburban fire departments responded bringing an estimated total of 75 firefighters to the scene
The fire was extinguished just after 6:00a.m. Firefighters remained on the scene to put out hot spots.
