Residents were able to escape after a fire spread to two homes and sent heavy black smoke billowing into the sky in Volo Sunday afternoon, fire officials said.
The Wauconda Fire District and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 12:34 p.m. Sunday to the 200 block of Purcell Road in Volo for a report of a structure fire.
Wauconda Fire District Battalion Chief John Spratt said fire crews arrived in four minutes.
Heavy smoke was showing and flames were visible from two homes.
The fire appeared to have started on the exterior.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which had begun to burn through one of the home’s exterior walls and enter the attic space, Spratt said.
Residents from both homes escaped prior to the fire department’s arrival.
One home remains uninhabitable until repairs can be made, Spratt said. The second home is still habitable.
No injuries were reported to any residents or firefighters.
Spratt said damage is estimated at approximately $150,000 and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
The Wauconda Fire District said residents should ensure their smoke alarms are working properly.
The Wauconda Fire District was assisted at the scene by the Countryside, Fox Lake, Grayslake McHenry and Nunda Rural fire departments.