Firefighters rescued multiple animals from a fire that caused heavy damage to a house, leaving the residents displaced, in Huntley Monday morning as the search continues for a missing pet.
The Huntley Fire Protection District responded around 10:39 a.m. Monday to the 10100 block of Ashley Street in Huntley for a report of a house fire.
Huntley Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said firefighters were responding when multiple 911 callers indicated that flames were seen from the residence, prompting an upgraded working fire response.
Firefighters arrived and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the rear of a two-story home.
Fire crews advanced hose lines to the backyard and extinguished a large portion of the fire from the exterior, Vucha said.
Additional personnel entered the residence to complete fire extinguishment.
Firefighters made an aggressive attack and stopped the progression of the fire, Vucha said.
The fire was completely extinguished within 15 minutes but overhaul and investigation efforts continued for an additional two hours.
Vucha said firefighters rescued two dogs from inside the home during the initial response.
A cat was later located during overhaul operations and a second cat remains missing. All three animals rescued were in good condition.
The house sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage and is considered uninhabitable until extensive repairs are made, Vucha said.
No occupants were home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported to any firefighters.
Huntley Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Mike Pierce said everyone should take a few minutes to check their lighting and open flame setups as residents decorate for the holidays.
“Inspect cords for damage, avoid overloading outlets, and turn lights off when leaving the home. Keep candles and other open flames away from decorations and anything that can burn,” Pierce said.
“Simple steps like these go a long way in reducing fire risks during the holiday season,” he added.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Huntley Fire Protection District.