Des Plaines firefighters were 'challenged by a rapidly evolving scene' in fire that killed 5, report finds By Sun-Times Media Wire Des Plaines firefighters were ‘challenged by a rapidly evolving scene’ in fire that killed 5, report finds A fire in Des Plaines that killed four children and their mother in January likely started at least seven minutes before anyone called 911. DES PLAINES, Ill. - A fire in And firefighters were "challenged by a rapidly evolving scene" that included more victims than initially expected and fire blocking the only stairwell to the family’s apartment. That’s according to a 43-page report released Tuesday by the Des Plaines Fire Department that provides a timeline and video of the city’s response to the blaze at 714 W. Oakton St.