On Sunday, Nov. 1, at approximately 8:22 p.m., the Lombard Fire Department was dispatched to the 900 Block of E. St. Charles Road for a reported fire at a single-family residential structure being used as an animal shelter for stray and homeless cats.
While crews were en route, dispatch advised that smoke and flames were visible from windows on the first floor and attic.
The first Lombard Fire Department crew arrived on scene at 8:27 p.m. and found flames on the east side of the building and smoke coming from the eaves. Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines to extinguish the fire while crews entered the rear of the building to rescue the cats inside. The building was not occupied by residents at the time of the fire, and the fire was brought under control by approximately 8:40 p.m.
According to Cat Guardians volunteers, 38 cats were being cared for at the facility. Firefighters rescued 36 cats, all of which appeared to be in good condition. The remaining two cats are believed to have escaped the building during rescue efforts. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
The Lombard Fire Investigation Unit responded to the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The Lombard Fire Department was assisted by the Villa Park, Elmhurst, Addison and York Center fire departments. The Lombard Police Department provided traffic and crowd control throughout the response.
For more information, contact Interim Fire Chief Perry Johnson at (630) 620-5736.
