The Harvey Fire Department is investigating a fire that burned at least three abandoned houses early Tuesday morning at 15428 Turlington Road.
The houses caught fire at 2:30 a.m., and Harvey firefighters remained on site until 9 a.m., according to a Commonwealth Edison electrician who responded to the scene.
No injuries were reported.
The fires spread from two structures that were fully engulfed in flames to two nearby abandoned buildings as a result of the extreme radiant heat and active power line hazards, the Harvey Fire Department said in a statement.
In response to the escalating conditions, the city activated a mutual aid box alarm at full still and first alarm levels, ensuring additional personnel and resources were deployed to support operations.
The fires were brought under control by 4 a.m., the department said.
Staff for ComEd arrived at 4 a.m. to cut the power as a safety precaution, said the electrician on the scene. Hours later most of the power was restored and employees were working on restoring the remaining power at 11 a.m. Tuesday.
A group of electricians on the scene Tuesday morning also rescued a kitten from the debris.
The electricians recommended checking the ComEd websites for updates.
Harvey Ald. Colby Chapman encouraged residents to check on neighbors, use caution at intersections and report any downed wires or emergencies immediately, according to a statement Tuesday morning.
The Harvey police chief and deputy police chief could not be reached for comment.
awright@chicagotribune.com
