A resident was left homeless and a cat was rescued after a fire sent heavy flames billowing from a house, causing extensive damage, in Lake Zurich early Saturday morning, fire officials said.
The Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Department responded around 2:53 a.m. Saturday to the 100 block of Miller Road in Lake Zurich for a report of a structure fire.
Fire crews arrived and reported a two-story, single-family residence with heavy flames and smoke coming from the structure.
Lake Zurich Fire Rescue Chief David Pilgard said firefighters arrived within four minutes of the call and had water on the fire in three minutes.
The fire caused “pretty significant damage” to the older house, which featured balloon frame construction.
Pilgard said that type of construction creates some challenges for firefighters when it comes to making sure the fire does not spread in void spaces or between the studs in the walls from the basement to the attic.
The fire was declared under control in approximately 20 minutes. ComEd responded to repair a downed power line in front of the home.
Firefighters remained at the scene and checked the entire home thoroughly to ensure the fire did not spread, Pilgard said.
Firefighters were alerted to a missing cat and checked repeatedly for it before locating the pet in the basement. The cat was alive.
Pilgard said no injuries were reported to any residents or firefighters. Multiple fire departments from throughout the surrounding area responded to assist Lake Zurich.
The home has been deemed uninhabitable and the tenant is being assisted by the homeowner and the American Red Cross with alternative lodging arrangements, Pilgard said.
The fire appears to have started on the outside of the building and investigators are working to determine what caused the fire.