Downed Power Line Fire on Thomas St Near Beverly Ln Arlington Heights; Firefighters Struggle to Extinguish Fire Safely, Efficiently

Key Points:

• On October 16, 2026, a downed power line on Thomas Street in Arlington Heights ignited asphalt, causing a fire and power outage affecting about 120 ComEd customers; the line was de-energized by ComEd crews shortly after arrival.
• Firefighters from Engine 2 attempted to extinguish the asphalt fire using a Class A Water Pump Can extinguisher instead of the recommended Class B extinguisher, resulting in a prolonged 20-minute operation and increased risks of electrocution, burns, and toxic exposure.
• The firefighters did not wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including eye protection, face shields, SCBA gear, helmets, or turnout jackets, exposing them to hazardous hydrocarbon plumes, potential steam explosions, and carcinogenic substances.
• Safety protocols were breached as non-essential personnel, including a police community service officer, were allowed near the hazard zone, increasing the risk of injury from the fire, toxic fumes, and possible re-energization of the downed power line.
• The incident highlighted risks related to electrical hazards from unexpected re-energization, secondary wires, backfeed from residential backup power systems like Base Power Company, and the dangers of applying water to burning asphalt, which can cause steam explosions and toxic vapor release.