VIDEO: Firefighters were battling a large fire at a commercial building in unincorporated DuPage County on Sunday night. The fire was reported before 9 p.m. along South Madison Street near Jeans Road in an unincorporated area between Burr Ridge and Hinsdale, less than a half-mile north of the DuPage River. Video taken by an NBC Chicago photographer at the scene showed large clouds of smoke pouring out of the building and a large emergency response nearby. Additional details, including the name of the business where the fire broke out and if anyone was injured, haven't been released.  

Illinois Firefighters Association Vice President Kevin Schott is hoping the recently enacted Firefighter Training Leave of Absence Act proves to be just a starting point in the state's ongoing push to address its manpower shortage. "I think whatever can be done at this point to help with recruitment and retention is a good thing," Schott told The Center Square. "Every step we can take to help is vital. We're in a crisis and not just in fire service, but in emergency service. The EMS world is hurting for volunteers as well." With fire departments across the state faced with the same staffing issues, state Sen. Patrick Joyce, D-Essex, sponsored Senate Bill 1611, which paves the way for state employees to leave their jobs to attend firefighter training. As part of his effort, Joyce is also sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 7, which creates the Recruiting and Retaining Public Employee Firefighters and Paramedics Task Force in hopes of enhancing recruitment and highlighting eligible applicants.  

Keeping snow away from fire hydrants is critical for keeping everyone in the community safe during an emergency. When there's a fire, firefighters need to get to hydrants fast, and piles of snow could slow them down. Joshua Lewis, Firefighter and Paramedic with the Rochelle Fire Department, notes that the public can help by clearing away some space around the hydrant. "We like about 3' all the way around the hydrant," Lewis said, "that gives us room to work, to flush the hydrant, to remove caps, to open and close valves, and then hook up the hoses to the truck." Snow, especially heavy snow, can make battling a blaze difficult. "Walking through yards in deep snow, pulling hose lines, plus trip hazards, and the challenges of finding hydrants and clearing pathways adds a lot of challenges." said Lewis.  

A tanker truck overturned on Route 17 in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, erupting into a ball of flames. It happened around 5:40 a.m. Monday on Route 17 South not far from Teterboro Airport. The tanker and another car got into a crash, but amazingly, both drivers were able to escape their vehicles. The tanker plowed into a used car dealership, causing it to catch fire. That building is a complete loss as were two dozen of the vehicles on the lot. Firefighters battling the blaze were able to save neighboring businesses on either side. Powerlines were damaged in the fire and several of the businesses on Route 17 remain without power. The fire was placed under control once PSE&G was able to cut off gas to the car lot. Drivers were stunned by the fireball and frustrated by the resulting traffic delays.  

PHOTOS: The Sunbury Fire Department will consolidate all six fire departments in the city, a long overdue move according to officials. The efforts to consolidate began years ago and fizzled out. In the summer of 2021, the idea was revisited after some chiefs said bringing the six companies together under one roof just made sense. Sunbury City Council got involved and requested a report from the state Department of Community and Economic Development on whether it is feasible for the city to consolidate. The results, according to City Councilman John Barnhart, were favorable to combining all the departments. There are still a lot of details that need to be ironed out, he said, but there seems to be wide support for the move. "This will allow the department to work more efficiently with the volunteers that are available," Sunbury Mayor Josh Brosious said.  

A fire broke out at one of the fire stations in West Palm Beach Saturday morning. According to a spokesperson with the West Palm Beach Fire Department (WPBFD), the fire occurred in one of the fire rescue ambulance trucks at around 4:30 a.m. at West Palm Beach Fire Station no. 4. Firefighters were asleep in the station and were alerted to the blaze when the fire alarms went off. There were no injuries, WPBFD says. WPBFD is investigating the cause of the fire.  

PHOTOS: Actor Jeremy Renner surprised first responders and hospital workers with a heartfelt visit to thank them for saving his life one year ago. On Jan. 1, 2023, the 52-year-old actor was trying to get a relative's car out of a snowbank at Renner's Lake Tahoe home. While using his 7-ton Pistenbully snow groomer, Renner exited the cab and the snowplow rolled onto him. Renner was badly crushed, breaking over 30 bones. Remarkably, he was extricated and rushed to Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, where he underwent emergency surgery. He was critical condition for days until his health began improving; he was released from the hospital several weeks later. "One year ago, our friend Jeremy Renner suffered a catastrophic injury that nearly ended his life," Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue wrote on social media.