A cat was rescued after flames engulfed a townhouse and prompted the response of 10 fire departments in Lakemoor Tuesday afternoon.
The Fox Lake Fire Protection District and Lakemoor Police Department responded at 2:43 p.m. Tuesday to the 32400 block of Rushmore Avenue in Lakemoor for a report of a structure fire.
Firefighters arrived and found heavy smoke and fire coming from the garage, according to a statement from the Fox Lake Fire Protection District.
The fire was spreading to the second floor and roof of the townhome.
A large column of smoke was visible from several miles away, witnesses reported.
The first arriving fire engine used its deck gun, which is located on top of the apparatus, to bring the fire under control, the fire district said.
Firefighters also pulled hose lines and conducted an interior fire attack.
A cat was reported missing inside, but it was rescued and was returned to the residents, the fire district said.
No injuries to firefighters or residents were reported during the incident.
Crews were able to contain the fire to only one unit of the townhome.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the first alarm level.
Nine area fire departments assisted the Fox Lake Fire Protection District at the scene.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but officials believe the fire started in the garage.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story stated that the firefighters rescued the cat. It was not confirmed who rescued the cat.