At approximately 03:37pm on Sunday, November 26th, 2023, the Beecher Fire Protection District along with automatic aid responded for a structure fire at 1624 E. Eagle Lake Rd. Due to reports of animals still inside the building, the alarm was escalated to the full still alarm level prior to arrival. The first suppression company arrived on the scene within eight minutes of the initial call for service. Crews found a large agricultural building with heavy fire conditions. The alarm was escalated to the MABAS Box Alarm to bring in additional resources. The advanced fire conditions were posing a threat to the exposure buildings to the east and north sides of the structure. Due to the extensive fire conditions, a defensive operation was declared. Crews deployed several hose lines, portable master streams and performed extensive overhaul to extinguish the fire. The escalation to the MABAS Box Alarm level brought in a total of 8 engine companies, 2 truck/tower ladders, 9 tenders, 2 ambulances, and 9 chief officers. The closest fire hydrant is approximately 2.5 miles away, which prompted a rural water supply operation to be established and a tender water shuttle to be initiated. 2 residents were evaluated by EMS at the scene for smoke inhalation. With the help of the homeowners, we were able to rescue 1 horse and 2 dogs from the barn but unfortunately, 4 horses did perish in the fire. The origin and cause of the fire are currently under investigation by the fire investigators of the MABAS 27/24 Origin and Cause Team. Damage estimates are not available at the time of this release.

The Beecher Fire Protection District responded with 1 Engine, 1 Engine/Tender, 1 Ambulance, and 1 Chief Officer and 2 Support Vehicles.

Multiple agencies were on the scene and at our fire station to cover any additional calls for service during that time. These include Manhattan Fire Protection District, Crete Fire Department, Crete Township Fire Protection District, Grant Park Fire Protection District, University Park Fire Department, Sauk Village Fire Department, South Chicago Heights Fire Department, Monee Fire Protection District, Lowell Fire Department, Park Forest Fire Department, Steger Fire Department, Matteson Fire Department, Richton Park Fire Department, Momence Fire Protection District, Manteno Fire Protection District, Frankfort Fire Protection District, Dyer Fire Department, Lake Dalecarlia Fire Department, Lynwood Fire Department, Glenwood Fire Department, Tinley Park Fire Department, Washington Township Highway Department, and Will County Sheriff’s Office.