Family Escapes Out Second Story Window In Lansing House Fire; Working Smoke Detectors Credited for Saving Lives
LANSING, Ill. — A fast-moving house fire early Tuesday morning forced six family members to exit from a second-story window to escape the flames, but officials credit working smoke detectors and smart decisions for preventing a tragedy.
Around 5:10 a.m. on August 5, 2025, the Lansing Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire in the 18300 block of Locust Street. Upon arrival, fire crews encountered a fully involved fire at a two-story single-family home.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control within 15 minutes, but not before it caused significant damage to the home. Due to rapidly deteriorating conditions inside, the occupants — two adults and four children — were forced to escape through a second-floor window.
All six residents were transported to local hospitals for injuries and minor smoke inhalation. Fortunately, all have since been treated and released. The American Red Cross is assisting the family with temporary shelter and support.
Mutual aid was provided by fire departments from Thornton, Calumet City, Dolton, South Holland, and Glenwood. Homewood and Country Club Hills departments helped provide station coverage during the response.
Investigators say the cause of the fire remains undetermined at this time.
Officials are commending the family for their quick thinking and preparedness, which included:
- Working smoke detectors that alerted the family to the fire,
- Closed bedroom doors that helped contain the smoke,
- A call to 911 while attempting to keep smoke out of the sleeping areas,
- And the use of a secondary escape route when conditions worsened.
“This could have ended very differently,” a Lansing Fire Department spokesperson said. “This is a powerful reminder that fire safety plans and smoke detectors save lives.”
Residents are urged to regularly test their smoke detectors and review home escape plans with all family members. For more fire prevention tips, visit NFPA.org or contact the Lansing Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau at 708-895-7400.
