DeKalb Apartment Fire Caused By Battery Failure

DEKALB — Firefighters responded to an apartment fire at 1305 North Annie Glidden Road, Building 3, early Thursday morning and brought the blaze under control within 10 minutes, according to the DeKalb Fire Department. Crews were called at 12:46 a.m. and found smoke and flames coming from a window of apartment 304, prompting a working fire response for additional resources. Firefighters conducted a primary search and checked nearby units, finding no occupants and no fire spread beyond the original apartment. The fire started in a bedroom and was ruled accidental, caused by a failed battery or power source. Damage is estimated at $15,000. No injuries were reported to civilians or firefighters. Multiple DeKalb units responded along with assistance from Cortland, Sycamore, the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, and utility crews, while other firefighters covered city stations. Officials remind residents to follow safety guidelines when using lithium ion batteries, which can catch fire or explode if damaged or used improperly.