Jan. 15--Firefighters rescued two people from a blaze in their Orland Park home shortly before noon Wednesday, officials said.
When firefighters arrived, the home in the 7600 block of Wheeler Drive was "consumed" by fire, and heavy black smoke streamed from the windows, Orland Fire Protection District officials said in a statement.
Fire Chief Ken Brucki said the two residents were moving under their own power but needed some help from firefighters to escape the fire. Their pet dog was already out of the home when firefighters arrived, he said.
The two residents suffered burns and smoke inhalation and were treated at the scene before being taken to Palos Community Hospital for additional treatment, fire district officials said. Information on their condition was not immediately available.
Fire district officials said they had the blaze under control in about 40 minutes despite extra challenges because of the cold weather.
A couple of fire hydrants were frozen, causing a slight delay, but the village's public works staff arrived at the scene quickly to keep water flowing freely, Brucki said.
"When we're throwing a lot of water around in freezing temperatures, it can make it a little more difficult for crews," Brucki said. "We had several slips and falls, and guys can't work as long in the cold."
Firefighters from several surrounding communities provided assistance, Brucki said.
"The crews did a bang-up job in adverse conditions," he said.
Brucki said the home was heavily damaged, and the fire's cause is under investigation.
