At approximately 4:22 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, the Wheaton Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire in the 1000 block of Briarbrook Drive.

Upon arrival, crews located an active fire on a second-floor balcony of an apartment building with extension to the third floor and attic space. Firefighters quickly initiated suppression efforts and brought the fire under control within 30 minutes. Crews remained on scene for an additional 90 minutes conducting overhaul and extinguishment operations.

Occupants of the building were able to safely exit the building, and no injuries to civilians or firefighters were reported. Firefighters also successfully rescued multiple pets from the building.

The cause of the fire has been determined to be accidental and appears to be related to the improper use of a grill. Damage estimates are not available at this time.

The City of Wheaton Building Department responded to the scene to assess the structure. The 30-unit apartment building was deemed uninhabitable and was turned over to the property owner. The American Red Cross and DuPage County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management worked with the Wheaton Fire Department and apartment management to provide assistance to the residents displaced by this incident. 

The Wheaton Fire Department was also assisted by the Wheaton Police Department and several neighboring fire departments.