Firefighters rescued five cats from a burning home in Huntley and fire officials say one firefighter was injured during the incident, which left the residents of the home displaced.
The Huntley Fire Protection District responded around 12:47 p.m. Saturday to the 11200 block of Kingsbury Court in Huntley for a report of a residential structure fire.
Huntley Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said crews responding were advised the fire possibly started in the kitchen and was spreading quickly.
Firefighters arrived within six minutes and found smoke coming from a two-story house.
Vucha said the incident was upgraded to a working fire response, bringing in additional personnel, suppression apparatus and fire units to cover Huntley’s stations.
Crews coordinated an interior attack on the fire and had water on the blaze within minutes.
Vucha said the fire was declared under control around 12:58 p.m.
Fire crews conducted searches and confirmed both occupants had safely exited the home before first responders arrived.
Five cats were reported to be inside the residence and all of them were located and rescued.
One of the cats was treated by firefighters for smoke inhalation. “Thankfully, all five animals are accounted for and alive,” Vucha said.
The fire damage was contained to the kitchen area but heavy smoke damage extended throughout the home.
The house was deemed uninhabitable until necessary cleaning and repairs can be completed.
A firefighter was evaluated at the scene for symptoms believed to be related to heat exhaustion. No residents were injured.
“The fire occurred during a very warm and muggy afternoon, with a heat index in the upper 80s and humidity near 85 percent,” Vucha said.
The fire district said it appreciates the assistance of all responding agencies and the 911 dispatchers for their support throughout the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Huntley Fire Protection District.