A backyard bonfire and high winds are being blamed for a fire that damaged a home in Hampshire Friday night, authorities said.
Huntley Fire Protection District firefighters responded to a reported house fire at 8:38 p.m. Friday in the 1900 block of Aaron Court in Hampshire, said Huntley Battalion Chief Michael Pierce.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within three minutes and discovered the heavy fire at the rear of the residence, Pierce said. The fire had also rapidly extended into the attic.
Fire crews deployed hose lines to the rear of the home while additional personnel set up a ladder truck and established a water supply from a nearby hydrant, Pierce said.
All occupants had exited the home before firefighters arrived at the residence.
Pierce said crews put water on the fire within four minutes and extinguished it by 9:15 p.m.
Firefighters and investigators remained at the scene of the fire for about 90 minutes to ensure there were no remaining hot spots and to conduct an investigation.
Pierce said the home sustained significant fire damage and the home is deemed uninhabitable until repairs can be made.
Six occupants have been displaced and are seeking temporary shelter.
Preliminary information suggests the fire may have originated from a backyard bonfire before spreading to the home, Pierce said. The cause remains under investigation.
The Huntley Fire Protection District stresses the importance of following warnings issued by the National Weather Service, which indicated Friday an increased fire risk due to dry and windy conditions.
The Huntley Fire Protection District was assisted at the scene by firefighters from the Algonquin and Hampshire Fire Protection Districts. Woodstock and Fox River Grove Fire Protection District assisted with station coverage.