Authorities say contractors accidentally caused a fire that damaged two townhomes and left residents displaced in Vernon Hills Monday afternoon.
The Vernon Hills Police Department and Countryside Fire Protection District responded around 4:30 p.m. Monday to the 900 block of Monroe Court in Vernon Hills for a report of a structure fire.
Fire officials said firefighters arrived and encountered active fire conditions in an upstairs bathroom of a two-story townhouse.
Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack while conducting a search of the affected unit.
Fire officials said the fire was brought under control within eight minutes.
Crews conducted searches of all four townhouse units and did not find anyone inside.
Two of the four townhouses were deemed uninhabitable due to the fire. No injuries were reported to firefighters or occupants.
Countryside Fire Chief Chuck Smith said the investigation revealed that accidental ignition occurred during interior plumbing work.
The Countryside Fire Protection District received assistance from the Mundelein, Libertyville, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, Long Grove, Lake Forest, Buffalo Grove, Round Lake, Lake Bluff and Inverness fire departments.
Officials say residents should have an escape plan and practice it for when fire strikes.