On the evening of December 1, 2024, at approximately 9:58pm, the Richton Park Fire Department responded to a call for a Fire Alarm at 1000 Cedar Ridge. As crews inspected the property, smoke could be seen from the third floor, with flames emerging from a third floor window. Richton Park Firefighters quickly ascended to the second floor, connecting to a stairway stand pipe, and reaching the third floor.
Richton Park Firefighters made an aggressive interior attack to put out flames, while both Park Forest and Matteson Fire Department personnel performed an extensive search of the immediate property. A female victim was found and transported to Olympia Fields Hospital in grave condition. She had sustained serious injuries, eventually succumbing to those injuries.
The entire property was evacuated as a safety precaution. Most misplaced residents were relocated with family members, while other residents were provided rooms at local hotels.
The Illinois Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Investigation Division, as well as MABAS 24/27 Investigation Team, was activated and investigated the origin and cause of the fire. Results are pending.
The Richton Park Fire Department would like to credit our firefighters and paramedics, as well as the assisting agencies with a job well done.