Wheaton, IL – A house fire in Wheaton late Friday night left a residence uninhabitable after crews quickly contained flames believed to have been sparked by a lightning strike.
According to the City of Wheaton Government, the fire was reported around 9:45 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, in the 1400 block of Wendover Lane in DuPage County, west of Chicago. Firefighters arriving on scene encountered heavy fire on the roof and immediately deployed hose lines to the second floor interior.
Crews were able to bring the fire under control within approximately 20 minutes, successfully containing the blaze to the attic during extinguishment efforts. No residents or firefighters were injured in the incident.
Officials say the fire was deemed accidental and appears to have been caused by a lightning strike to the roof, following storms that moved through the area Friday evening.
Multiple agencies assisted at the scene, including the Wheaton Police Department and several West Suburban Fire Rescue Alliance partners, such as Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Roselle, West Chicago, and Winfield fire departments.
The Wheaton Building Department was notified, and the home has been declared uninhabitable due to significant fire and water damage.
Residents in the area are reminded to remain alert during severe weather conditions and ensure homes are equipped with working smoke detectors.
