United States (Illinois) - Several south suburban fire department battled a suspicious extra-alarm fire in a vacant house in Dolton Monday night. The blaze broke out shortly after 11 p.m. in the 14400 block of Shepard Drive. Firefighters spent several hours getting the fire under control, with flames shooting out windows and through the roof. Fire officials weren't sure how long the house had been vacant before last night's fire.

Police who entered the charred building after the fire was extinguished discovered copper used in wiring and plumbing missing. Dolton police chief Robert Fox said copper thieves probably removed it long before last night's fire.

"We and several communities have experienced several instances of copper being taken out of vacant buildings. It's very expensive now, so thieves go in and steal all they can get. Vacant buildings are a good target. But they are not all set on fire" he said.

Fox said the police are looking for any witnesses with information on what copper thefts that have become an increasing problem. Anyone with information about such thefts should call the Dolton police department at 708-473-1198.

Fox didn't elaborate on why the fire was considered suspicious. No one from the fire department was immediately available.

Written by Chicago Tribune