A homeowner on the 900 block of South Ardmore Avenue in Villa Park lost a detached garage on Tuesday, Aug. 11, after storm-downed power lines made contact with the structure and ignited a fire that drew mutual aid from Elmhurst and six other fire departments.

No one was hurt. The residents and their dogs evacuated safely as a precaution, and flames never reached the main house or neighboring properties, according to a Villa Park civic alert issued by Deputy Fire Chief Brandon Mitsuka.

Villa Park firefighters arrived at 936 S. Ardmore Ave. around 11:10 a.m. and found smoke pushing from the garage roof. Crews deployed a hose line and knocked down the fire while working around live power lines still draped near the scene.

Investigators determined the blaze was likely caused by downed power lines that came into direct contact with the garage during recent storm activity, Mitsuka said in the alert. The investigation remains preliminary, and the alert does not specify which storm event left the lines down.

The Elmhurst Fire Department was among seven agencies that provided mutual aid, alongside departments from Addison, Lombard, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn and York Center. Villa Park police also responded.

Recent storms leave lingering hazards

The fire follows severe weather that has battered Villa Park and surrounding communities since late July. On July 27, storms with radar-indicated wind gusts up to 70 mph tore through Villa Park and Elmhurst, downing trees and power lines across DuPage County and leaving roughly 62,000 customers without electricity, according to the National Weather Service. A second round dumped more than 3 inches of rain on Villa Park on July 31 and Aug. 1.

As of Aug. 7, Villa Park Public Works crews were still clearing storm debris from parkway trees and public areas, with some streets not yet reached.

"When emergencies hit, we all look out for each other, and we all step up to the plate," Village President Kevin Patrick said at the July 28 Village Board meeting, speaking about the storm damage that has continued to affect the village.

What residents should know

In guidance issued after July storms, the City of Elmhurst reminded residents to never approach or drive over downed utility lines, which should always be considered energized and dangerous. Anyone who spots a downed line should call 911 immediately rather than attempt to move it.

The Villa Park Fire Department has not announced a timeline for completing its investigation or whether ComEd has been called to address remaining downed lines in the area.