Fire officials say a lightning strike possibly caused a fire that broke out in a house and left seven residents displaced in Huntley Saturday evening.
The Huntley Fire Protection District responded around 5:13 p.m. Saturday to the 11000 block of Madison Way in Huntley for a report of a structure fire.
Firefighters arrived within three minutes and found smoke coming from a two-story home.
Fire officials said flames were also visible from a second-floor exterior vent.
The incident was upgraded to a working fire response, bringing additional personnel and resources to the scene.
The house was reported to be unoccupied at the time of the fire but firefighters made entry to confirm no one was inside.
Fire crews pulled hose lines and quickly extinguished the fire, which had extended into the attic space.
Firefighters remained at the scene to conduct overhaul operations and check for any hidden fires, fire officials said.
The home sustained water and smoke damage. The seven residents are temporarily displaced but will be able to live in the home once repairs are completed.
There were no pets in the home and no injuries were reported to any firefighters.
“An observant passerby and quick actions by responding firefighters saved the structure and a large portion of its contents,” fire officials said.
A strong storm had moved through the area minutes before the fire was reported.
A lightning strike is considered a possible cause but the incident remains under investigation by the Huntley Fire Protection District.
“We thank the responding agencies and our dispatchers for their assistance during this incident,” the fire district said.