Firefighters from multiple fire departments extinguished a fire that damaged a residential unit of a building in the 200 block of East Court of Shorewood in Vernon Hills on October 9, 2024. | Provided Photo

The community is rallying to raise money for a family who was left homeless after a fire damaged their townhome and killed their pet cat in Vernon Hills.

The Countryside Fire Protection District responded around 11:30 a.m. on October 9 to the 200 block of East Court of Shorewood in Vernon Hills for a fire alarm activation.

Countryside Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Jason Masheris said crews arrived and found smoke coming from the roof of a three-story multi-family residence.

The incident was upgraded to a working structure fire to bring additional fire units to the scene.

Firefighters from multiple fire departments respond to the 200 block of East Court of Shorewood in Vernon Hills for a structure fire on October 9, 2024. | Photo: Max Weingardt

All residents were confirmed to be out of the building upon the arrival of the fire department, Masheris said.

The common area fire alarm had activated as well as smoke detectors in the units.

Masheris said firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire, which was contained to a single unit.

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They also worked to check to make sure the fire had not extended.

Firefighters from multiple fire departments respond to the 200 block of East Court of Shorewood in Vernon Hills for a structure fire on October 9, 2024. | Photo: Max Weingardt

A family was displaced due to fire and smoke damage in the unit where the fire occurred, Masheris said.

There were no injuries to any residents or firefighters. A cat died in the fire.

The Mundelein, Libertyville, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, Barrington-Countryside, Highland Park, North Chicago, Deerfield-Bannockburn and Lake Bluff fire departments assisted.

Lupe Flores, who is the son of Elena Flores, said his family’s lives were turned upside down due to the fire that destroyed his mother’s apartment.

Firefighters from multiple fire departments respond to the 200 block of East Court of Shorewood in Vernon Hills for a structure fire on October 9, 2024. | Photo: Max Weingardt

“We lost not only our home but also our beloved cat, Beni. The emotional and financial toll has been overwhelming,” Flores said.

Flores said his mother had just had surgery a week prior to the fire and that is making the situation even more difficult.

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Flores said they are working on finding his mother and his two younger siblings a new home.

He created a GoFundMe to raise money for a down payment and first month’s rent, as well as essential household items, to start over. The fundraiser has already raised over $2,400.

Fire officials reminded residents that working smoke detectors save lives. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.