The community has raised over $25,000 for a family who would “always be the first to help anyone in need” after their house caught on fire in Lake in the Hills Tuesday afternoon.
The Huntley Fire Protection District responded around 2:20 p.m. Tuesday to the 200 block of Stickley Lane in Lake in the Hills for a report of a structure fire.
Firefighters arrived and found heavy fire conditions showing from the rear of the two-story home, according to Huntley Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Patrick Fortunato.
The first arriving fire crews deployed a hose line and initiated a fire attack from the rear of the home and established a water supply from a nearby fire hydrant.
Crews deployed additional hose lines and entered the interior of the home and the neighboring home to prevent the fire from spreading, Fortunato said.
All occupants were able to safely evacuate the residence. Firefighters completed an additional search of the house and no other occupants were found.
The main body of the fire was in the rear of the home on both floors and in the attic, Fortunato said.
Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control.
A neighboring home that was exposed to the heat from the fire sustained non-structural damage, Fortunato said.
Firefighters then conducted an extensive overhaul to ensure the fire stopped spreading.
The house sustained heavy smoke damage and two vehicles in the garage were damaged due to fire exposure.
No injuries were reported during the fire and the house had working smoke detectors, Fortunato added.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation and the initial damage estimate is $375,000. The house remains uninhabitable.
A GoFundMe was started Tuesday evening for the Blezien family.
Samira Vigil, who is organizing the fundraiser, said the Blezien family is “one of the most caring families” in the community.
Vigil said the family “lost everything” after the fire and needs the community’s help to rebuild.
Over 200 donors raised $25,000 as of Thursday morning.
“The Blezien family would never ask for help, but would always be the first to help anyone in need,” Vigil said.
“As a community we need to rally together to help them rebuild everything that they lost. Nothing will ever make up for the value of a loving home and all of the memories that were created there, but together we can show them how much we care and appreciate their kindness.”