Two rescued from smoky townhome fire

Two people were taken to the hospital after an early morning townhouse fire Wednesday in unincorporated Downers Grove.

At approximately 5:32 a.m. the Darien-Woodridge Fire District responded to 7354 Winthrop Way. According to Robert Morris, Fire Prevention Bureau director, the fire started in the kitchen on the stove and spread to a nearby cabinet, causing smoke to fill the unit.

Firefighters found a semi-conscious female on the second floor and another female, who was uninjured, in the basement. Both were transported to Good Samaritan Hospital for treatment and observation.

The fire was apparently caused by food left cooking on the stove. Damage is estimated at $5,000.

Morris said the fire could have been deadly had the building not had a working fire alarm system.

Darien-Woodridge units were assisted at the scene by Downers Grove and Westmont fire departments.