Crime & Safety

Officials Point to Lightning as Cause of Duplex Attic Fire

A fire that ravaged 3602 N. Murray Ave. late Wednesday night, and took firefighters more than 2 hours to douse, caused $300,000 worth of damage. The duplex fire is the third this week in the village.

North Shore Fire Department officials say a duplex fire at 3602 N. Murray Ave. Wednesday night was likely the result of a lightning strike.

Fire Chief Robert Whittaker said firefighters received the call about the blaze from a resident at approximately 8:44 p.m. Firefighters fought fire in the attic for more than two hours.

Two firefighters were transported to a local area hospital for minor injuries. Both were treated and have been released. Smoke detectors in the home gave the duplex occupants adequate warning and all were able to escape the fire without injuries.

Find out what's happening in Shorewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Fire, smoke and water damage to the attic and third floor of the structure is extensive, according to NSFD. Additionally, there is smoke and water damage to the first and second floors. Damage to the duplex is tallied at $300,000.

A fire broke out at the same building in the winter of 2001, Whitaker confirmed. The cause of that fire was undetermined, according to NSFD.

Find out what's happening in Shorewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

NSFD : a malfunctioning transformer on a telephone pole started sparking and set a detached garage on fire at about 9 p.m. Monday; at 5:17 a.m. on Tuesday, a chemical reaction caused a fire to break out in the basement of a duplex at 4205 N. Wildwood Ave.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.

More from Shorewood