Box Alarm in Lake Zurich 3-24-14

This is from Larry Shapiro:

The Lake Zurich Fire Department received a call just after 5 PM on Monday regarding a fire at Midwest Motors, located at 540 Cortland Drive. Upon arrival, the first engine noticed light smoke coming from the eaves of the building. As the smoke intensified, the alarm was quickly escalated to a Box Alarm. The strip center housed a large indoor showroom featuring high-end and exotic used cars.

The fire was initially reported on the second floor and in the attic at the southern end of the sprinkler-equipped building. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze to that section, though water damage spread throughout the structure. While some vehicles were damaged, the majority were successfully removed before significant harm occurred.

Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, including Lake Zurich (4 units), Palatine, Buffalo Grove, Fox River Grove, and Barrington Countryside. Tower trucks came from Wauconda and Arlington Heights, while squads arrived from Long Grove and Deerfield. Ambulances were dispatched from Barrington, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, and Libertyville. Chief officers from Lake Zurich, Wauconda, Fox River Grove, Long Grove, and Buffalo Grove were also on site.