Elmhurst Dress Shop, VIP Occasions, Destroyed By Extra-Alarm Fire
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A family owned dress shop in west suburban Elmhurst was destroyed by a fire on Thursday, an incident that prompted street closures.
The extra-alarm blaze consumed VIP Occasions, 351 York Road. Firefighters responded to the blaze around 1:30 p.m. Although the fire was put out within an hour, firefighters were expected to be on the scene all evening. An arson task force was investigating, an official told reporters.
No injuries were reported.
A picture tweeted by the Elmhurst Chamber showed tall flames shooting out the front of the dress store.
Elmhurst Fire Department battles blaze at VIP Occasions just down the street from Fire Station No. 1. pic.twitter.com/f3nAYNLfLH
— Elmhurst Chamber (@elmhurstchamber) January 26, 2017
VIP Occasions was founded by two sisters in 1991 and sells wedding and prom dresses.
"Every bride, bridesmaid, and gown costumer has been like extended family members to us. We are grateful and overwhelmed with everyone's support at this time," a statement on the shop's Facebook page said, on behalf of owners Nicole Samardzija and Natalie Krstev. "We hope to assist with current customers as we deal and move forward during this trying time ... Rest assured no customer will be left behind."
The sisters who own the business have set up a temporary shop in a nearby building at 363 N. York Rd. If you have a dress or gown at VIP Occasions, they have set up a hotline you can call: 630-833-GOWN (630-833-4696).
Two north suburban businesses say they will help brides who have lost their wedding gowns in the Elmhurst Fire. They are Complete Bridal in East Dundee and Volle's Bridal & Boutique in Lake Zurich. Contact the stores for details.