A downed power line sparked a garage fire on S. Ardmore Avenue on Tuesday, Aug. 11. On Aug. 1, the Villa Park Police Department had warned residents about exactly this kind of hazard and urged them to dial 911 the moment they spot one.

The fire at 936 S. Ardmore Ave. started when storm-damaged power lines fell onto a detached garage, according to a fire department notification signed by Deputy Fire Chief Brandon Mitsuka. Seven fire departments and Villa Park police assisted Villa Park firefighters, who worked cautiously around live wires. No one was injured. The garage was destroyed.

That blaze underscored the police department's Aug. 1 advisory, reported by the Villa Park Review, which listed downed power lines, displaced manhole covers, flooded intersections and roadway obstructions as hazards residents should report immediately.

Why 911, not the non-emergency line

The department explained that even though police may not fix the problem themselves, dispatchers and officers can route the report to Public Works or the appropriate agency. Calling 911 is the fastest way to get the right crew on scene.

The advisory stressed one point above all: assume no one else has called. It is always better to report a potential hazard and confirm someone is aware of it than to hope a neighbor already picked up the phone, the department said.

Back-to-back storms left lingering debris

Villa Park took two rounds of severe weather in quick succession. Storms on July 27 knocked out power, downed trees and flooded streets. Then between 3 and 3.5 inches of rain fell July 31 and Aug. 1, according to a village statement.

"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 27 Village Board meeting, praising police, fire and public works crews for clearing tree debris from roads.

As we reported Tuesday, the Ardmore Avenue fire drew mutual aid from Elmhurst, Addison, Lombard, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn and York Center fire departments.

Public Works crews were still clearing parkway tree debris as of Aug. 7, according to a village civic alert. For non-urgent tree or debris issues on public property, residents can call Public Works directly at 630-834-8505. For anything that poses an immediate danger to drivers or pedestrians, the department's message is simple: call 911.