On January 25, at 5:44 p.m., the Hinsdale Volunteer Fire Department was summoned to Northern Lights Plaza to investigate a reported fume and odor. Hinsdale Engine 8, under the direction of Assistant Chief Culkin, arrived to discover that a business had not been evacuated.

Crews arrived and discovered a fully occupied restaurant with elevated amounts of carbon monoxide throughout the building. Firefighters began evacuating people while investigating the cause of the abnormal readings. Hinsdale Rescue 5 came shortly thereafter to help operations. Due to the conditions, command requested additional resources, including Lyncourt Volunteer Fire Department Truck 2, Liverpool Fire Department Engine 2, and a standby ambulance from Navac. Town Code Enforcement also responded. Crews operated on scene until clearing at approximately 7:37 p.m.