Huge Fire Damages Woman's Club Of Wilmette
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A historic building in north suburban Wilmette has been heavily damaged by a large blaze Tuesday.
The fire started around 10 a.m., at the Woman's Club of Wilmette, at 930 Greenleaf Ave.
Heavy smoke and flames poured from the roof of the 2 ½-story stone and brick structure. As of 5 p.m., firefighters were still on the scene dousing hot spots.
In just the first few hours, three sides of the building collapsed. The truss roof also posed a problem. Wilmette fire chief Michael McGreal says the flames chased firefighters from the building quickly.
"It is a very old, 120-year-old building and it is truss construction so we assumed a defensive posture very quickly…there was very heavy rooftop units, HVAC units, on so the likelihood of collapse and imminent collapse, which it did shortly after the fire but the crews had exited the building," he said.
Carol Braband called 9-1-1. She and her husband have lived next to the club, for 40 years.
Braband says it was, "A little scary, held my breath and hoped for the best."
The club was founded in 1891. The building is used to host fundraisers, bridal showers, antique shows, and other events.
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Club president Barbara Bischoff says it was the first home of the community's League of Women Voters and family service agencies.
"The first public library was started out of here," Bischoff said. "To this day, we house educational programs from New Trier extension. It is a real community asset. The park district uses the club for weddings, lots of weddings, funeral luncheons."
Bischoff says it is too early to be specific but said the club will not go away.
Past club member Mary Lyman says the building has been part of her life for the 15 years she's lived in the community.
"I joined the Junior Club when I first moved here and met so many friends," Lyman said. "It's really sad…heartbreaking."
No injuries have been reported in connection with the blaze and the cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed.
