Wall collapses during fire at Woman's Club of Wilmette

WILMETTE, Ill. (WLS) -- Flames shot through the roof and heavy smoke billowed from the Woman's Club of Wilmette, located at 930 Greenleaf Avenue, Tuesday morning in the north suburb. Part of the wall and roof collapsed as more than 50 firefighters from a dozen departments joined in the effort.

The fire began around 9:45 a.m. Club members said it's possible the fire was sparked by a space heater used by the building's caretaker and family, who live there. The structure dates back to the 1920s, so firefighters were prepared for the collapse.

"We pre-plan these buildings heavy in town, so crews knew sort of what they were encountering," Wilmette Fire Chief Michael McGreal said. "If there's anything we could have done different, we would have. But we couldn't. Property can be replaced. People can't.

The building sustained heavy damage. Power was knocked out to about 172 customers, ComEd said. Two crews were sent to restore service.

The Woman's Club of Wilmette was founded in 1891 as a service organization. Members said the club started the village's public library and helped launch League of Women Voters.

The building was used for weddings, bat mitzvahs and other events.

"It's one of the few woman's club buildings left in Illinois at this point," Co-President Barbara Bischoff said.

"I was new to the community when I moved here and the Woman's Club is how I made my network of friends," Karen Donnan said.

The Woman's Club of Wilmette is looking for another venue to host planned events, including a father/daughter dance.

PHOTOS: Fire at Woman's Club of Wilmette