DEKALB, DeKalb County, Ill., Oct. 6, 2026 — One person was hurt, and three households were displaced after a fire broke out on Sunday night, October 4, at an apartment complex in DeKalb.
The fire was reported around 10 p.m. in the 400 block of Russell Road. Crews arriving at the scene traced the flames to a bathroom inside one of the units.
Two residents of the affected apartment got out on their own. One was taken to a nearby hospital with burns and smoke inhalation. Firefighters searched and ventilated the neighboring apartments as a precaution.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental, caused by careless disposal of smoking materials, the fire department reported. The flames stayed contained to the bathroom, but the unit suffered heavy smoke and water damage. Officials estimated the loss at around $15,000.
The Red Cross is assisting the three displaced households.
We wish the injured a complete and speedy recovery.
Common Misconceptions About Apartment Fires
Many people assume apartment fires start in kitchens, since cooking is the most familiar fire hazard in a home. But fires can start anywhere a small ignition source meets combustible material, including bathrooms, where towels, trash, and tight spaces can let a dropped cigarette or smoldering material catch unnoticed.
Another assumption is that a fire confined to one room stays in that room's problem. In multi-unit buildings, smoke and heat move through shared walls, vents, and hallways fast enough that neighboring units often need to be searched and aired out even when the flames never reach them.
There's no approved national statistic tied to this specific cause, but fire officials routinely note that careless disposal of smoking materials remains one of the more common preventable triggers of residential fires, regardless of which room they start in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I smell smoke or see fire in my apartment building?
Get out immediately, alert neighbors if it's safe to do so, and call 911 from outside. Don't stop to gather belongings or investigate the source.
What injuries are most common in apartment fires?
Burns and smoke inhalation are the most frequent injuries reported, even among people who were not near the flames directly.
What usually causes residential fires?
Common causes include cooking accidents, electrical faults, heating equipment, and improperly discarded smoking materials.
What to Do After an Apartment Fire in DeKalb, IL
If you're displaced by a fire, contact organizations like the Red Cross early; they can help with emergency shelter, clothing, and basic needs while you sort out longer-term housing. Keep a record of what was lost for insurance purposes, including photos if you're able to safely access the unit later.
Anyone with burns or smoke exposure should get checked by a doctor, even if symptoms seem mild at first, since smoke inhalation effects can take hours to show up fully. Follow up with your building management or landlord about repairs and when it's safe to return, and ask local fire officials if you have questions about the cause of the fire or how to prevent similar incidents in your own home.
