From the Harvard Fire Protection District:
Firefighters Respond to Apartment Fire on 9th Street
On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 5:47 a.m., the Harvard Fire Protection District responded to a reported apartment fire in the 1100 block of 9th Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from a first-floor apartment un
Firefighters quickly deployed a hose line to the window and knocked down the bulk of the fire within three minutes.
Crews then made entry into the unit to extinguish remaining hotspots and conducted overhaul.
The fire damage was contained to the kitchen; however, heavy smoke affected the entire unit, damaging all of the occupants’ personal belongings.
While the building did not have a central sprinkler system or smoke alarm system, individual battery-operated smoke detectors were present and activated.
The affected apartment is uninhabitable, and the three adults and infant who lived there are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
The building’s three additional units sustained minor smoke damage but remain habitable once utilities are restored.
No one was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Harvard Fire Protection District.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of working smoke detectors in every home.
The Harvard Fire Protection District encourages residents to test their smoke alarms monthly, replace batteries as needed, and install alarms in every sleeping area and on every level of their home.
The Harvard Fire Protection District would like to thank the Harvard Police Department, our dispatchers, and our auto and mutual aid partners from Capron Rescue Squad, Huntley Fire Protection District, Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts, Sharon Fire Department (WI), Union Fire Protection District, and Woodstock Fire/Rescue District for their assistance during this incident.
Photos are courtesy of the Harvard Fire Protection District.
