Firefighters rescued two dogs that died despite lifesaving measures after a fire left two townhomes uninhabitable on Thanksgiving Day in Algonquin.
The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District responded around 11:57 a.m. Thursday to the 0-100 block of Cedar Grove Court in Algonquin for a report of a structure fire.
Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District Deputy Chief John Knebl said a resident came home to find a fire inside the townhome.
The resident encountered a large amount of smoke and immediately called 911.
Firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from the residence and initiated an aggressive interior attack on the fire.
The resident reported that no people were in the home but two dogs were still inside, Knebl said.
An initial search was conducted that resulted in firefighters rescuing a dog and bringing it outside.
Firefighters attempted resuscitation efforts to revive the dog but they were unsuccessful, Knebl said.
A second search was conducted and firefighters located the second dog before quickly bringing it outside.
Knebl said fire crews attempted resuscitation efforts on the second dog for 20-30 minutes but were unable to regain a pulse.
The fire, which started in the kitchen area, caused heavy damage to the townhome.
An adjacent townhome was also deemed uninhabitable due to water and smoke damage.
Multiple fire departments from surrounding communities assisted. The cause is still under investigation by the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District.