Four hospitalized after small blaze at Des Plaines nursing home

Four patients at a northwest suburban nursing home were hospitalized after a small fire Thursday morning.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at the Ballard Respiratory and Rehabilitation Center at 9300 Ballard Rd. in Des Plaines about 8:15 a.m., North Maine Fire Chief Richard Dobrowski said.

The fire was contained to one room and the sprinkler system turned on and kept it in check.

“That was such a blessing,” Dobrowski said.

Four people, all patients of the nursing home, were taken to local hospitals for smoke inhalation, Dobrowski said. Their injuries are thought to be minor.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.