Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Illinois, was evacuated on Monday, September 28, 2026, after a fire broke out inside the school’s parking garage, prompting an emergency response from local firefighters and police.
The incident caused thick smoke to rise from the parking structure as students and staff were moved away from the affected area while emergency crews worked to bring the situation under control.
What Happened at Fenwick High School?
According to initial information from Oak Park officials, the fire involved multiple vehicles inside the parking garage at Fenwick High School, located in the 500 block of Washington Boulevard.
The Oak Park Fire Department and Oak Park Police Department responded to the scene following reports of the blaze.
Smoke could be seen coming from the garage as emergency personnel secured the area and carried out their response.
As a precaution, Fenwick High School evacuated students and staff while firefighters dealt with the incident.
Multiple Cars Involved in Fenwick Parking Garage Fire
Officials said multiple vehicles were involved in the fire on an upper level of the school parking structure.
The exact circumstances that caused the vehicles to catch fire were not immediately known.
Authorities had not released information indicating whether the blaze began in one vehicle before spreading to others or whether another factor contributed to the fire.
An investigation into the cause is expected to provide more information.
Were There Any Injuries?
No injuries were reported in the initial updates from Oak Park officials.
The evacuation allowed students and staff to remain away from the garage while firefighters and police handled the emergency.
Authorities had not immediately announced reports of anyone being transported to a hospital as a result of the incident.
Emergency Crews Respond to Fenwick High School
Both fire and police personnel responded to the Fenwick High School campus following the parking garage fire.
Emergency crews focused on controlling the blaze, securing the surrounding area and ensuring students and staff remained safely away from the affected parking structure.
The evacuation also helped provide firefighters with easier access to the garage while their operation continued.
Where Is Fenwick High School?
Fenwick High School is a private Catholic college preparatory school located at 505 Washington Boulevard in Oak Park, Illinois.
The school operates an on-campus parking facility known as the Michael R. Quinlan ’62 Parking Center, which provides parking for eligible students.
The fire brought emergency activity to the campus Monday afternoon and temporarily disrupted normal school operations.
What Caused the Fenwick High School Fire?
The cause of the Fenwick High School parking garage fire had not been officially announced in the first reports following the incident.
Investigators will likely examine the vehicles involved and the area where the fire began to determine what triggered the blaze.
Authorities may release additional details after firefighters complete their initial response and investigators assess the scene.
Fenwick High School Fire Investigation Continues
The situation remains developing, and additional information could emerge regarding the extent of the damage, the number of vehicles affected and when students will be able to resume normal activities on campus.
For now, the most important confirmed development is that the school was evacuated following the parking garage fire and no injuries were initially reported.
Further updates are expected from Fenwick High School and Oak Park authorities as more information becomes available.