Fireworks 'Likely' Cause Of House Fire In Deerfield: Sheriff

DEERFIELD, IL — Police are saying two house fires that occurred during the early morning hours of last Friday, following the Fourth of July holiday, were "likely" caused by fireworks.

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office, the first occurred at around 12:50 a.m. in the 37700 block of Charlotte Drive, Wadsworth. Deputies and numerous local fire agencies responded to the structure fire. Three occupants of the home, along with their pets, had exited the residence before flames engulfed the entire home. Though firefighters fought the blaze for several hours, the home was a total loss. The residents had been igniting explosive fireworks near the home earlier in the evening, according to police.

Less than one hour later at 1:45 a.m., authorities responded to a structure fire at a townhome in the 300 block of Goshawk Lane, unincorporated Deerfield. When they arrived, the roof was on fire. Multiple residents evacuated from the townhome prior to the home becoming engulfed in flames. Police said firefighters fought the blaze, but the townhome sustained major damage. Earlier in the evening, there were explosive fireworks being ignited near the townhome.

"The Lake County Sheriff’s Office reminds the community that most fireworks in Illinois are not legal," police said in a news release. "Every year, deputies respond to calls where people have been critically injured or where structures have burned to the ground, due to illegally used fireworks. Please leave fireworks to professionals who have obtained the necessary permits, after their safety plans have been approved."