Firefighters battled a fire in sub-zero temperatures that caused heavy damage to a house in North Chicago where residents and their dogs were able to safely escape.
The North Chicago Fire Department and North Chicago Police Department responded around 4:38 a.m. Tuesday to the 2200 block of Kristan Avenue for a report of a structure fire.
North Chicago Fire Chief John Umek said firefighters arrived to find smoke showing from a rear second-floor window.
The residents and several dogs had evacuated the single-family home after hearing their smoke detectors activate.
A Working Still Alarm was activated to bring several fire departments to the scene to assist, Umek said.
Firefighters located heavy fire in a bedroom and extinguished the fire while performing extensive overhaul operations afterward.
Residents initially told firefighters that three puppies escaped into the frigid night but they were later found hiding inside the home, Umek said.
No injuries were reported to any residents or firefighters.
The two residents who lived in the home were displaced due to heavy fire and smoke damage in the house.
Umek said neighbors assisted them until the American Red Cross could respond and provide alternative arrangements.
Temperatures were in the negatives at the time of the fire but no challenges related to the weather were encountered.
The cause of the fire has not been determined due to the heavy damage but there was no indication that it was arson, Umek said.
The fire chief said it is important for residents to have working smoke detectors, which are available for free to North Chicago residents who can contact the North Chicago Fire Department to facilitate the installation of them.