No Injuries, Major Damage in Palos Heights Fire

4:57 p.m. - A large white Palos Heights home stood charred after a fire swept through the residence Wednesday afternoon.

The call came in at about 3:35 p.m. and when firefighters arrived smoke was pouring out of the attached garage, said Palos Fire District Chief Steve Carr.

Neighbors reported that the normally rented home on the 7900 block of 131st Street has been vacant for several weeks and firefighters found the home empty, Carr said. 

Firefighters had to quickly vent the home as the fire became increasingly hot, Carr said.

Once entry was made it was determined that the flames were concentrated in the basement and quickly spreading, Carr said.Windows were broken to allow heat to escape.

The home, with stately white columns, has been charred throughout, Carr said. There was no furniture inside. The fire was extinguished around 4: 20 p.m. Carr said. 

"All aspects of the [interior] of the house have been damaged," Carr said. "everything is charred throughout the house."

Thirteen departments responded to the full still blaze, Carr said.

Crews will stay on hand in case any hot spots arise, and investigators will begin to work determining a specific cause, Carr said.

4:15 p.m.

Palos firefighters are on the scene of a structure fire at 7950 W. 131st St. in Palos Heights.

Palos Heights police have begun rerouting traffic off of 131st Street. The house is across the street from the Oak Hills Golf Course.

Tinley Park firefighters have responded to calls for assistance.