Six residents were displaced after a fire accidentally started at their home and flames engulfed the front of the residence in Waukegan Sunday evening, authorities said.
The Waukegan Fire Department responded around 11:30 p.m. Sunday to the 600 block of Westmoreland Avenue for a report of a structure fire.
Fire crews arrived to find heavy flames present on the west side of the two-story residential structure.
Flames were pushing out of the front door and up into the soffit, according to Waukegan Fire Marshal Todd Zupec.
Heavy smoke was also seen pushing out from the rear of the house.
Firefighters entered the home and initiated an attack to extinguish the fire, Zupec said.
Other crews conducted searches to ensure the occupants were accounted for.
The fire was brought under control and overhaul was completed to verify the fire was fully extinguished.
Zupec said no injuries were reported and the house was deemed uninhabitable.
Six residents were displaced and assisted by the American Red Cross with housing arrangements.
The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental, Zupec said.
Firefighters returned to the Westmoreland neighborhood on Monday and walked door to door to meet with residents.
Firefighters ensured residents had operating smoke alarms and installed new ones for those who did not.
Anyone who is a homeowner in Waukegan and does not have functioning smoke detectors can call the fire department during business hours at 847-249-5410.