A couple was left displaced after a fire broke out and left their house with heavy damage throughout near Marengo on New Year’s Eve, fire officials said, adding that the fire rekindled on Friday.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded around 9:17 p.m. Wednesday to the 7000 block of Paulson Drive in unincorporated Marengo for a report of a structure fire.
Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said fire crews arrived and found flames and smoke showing from the roof of a medium-sized, single-story residential home.
The incident was upgraded to a Working Fire response to request additional resources to the scene based on the conditions of the fire.
The incident was upgraded again through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) to a box alarm as the fire continued to rapidly evolve.
Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack on the fire while additional crews worked to support suppression efforts, Vucha said.
The fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes.
Vucha said fire crews remained at the scene for an additional hour conducting overhaul operations to ensure the fire was extinguished.
A family member of the residents told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that the couple was able to safely escape when the fire started.
The bulk of the fire damage was contained to the attic but the home sustained heavy damage throughout and was deemed uninhabitable until repairs can be completed.
Two adults were living in the home at the time, Vucha said. No injuries were reported but both of them were evaluated by paramedics as a precaution.
No pets were involved and the occupants are temporarily staying with neighbors.
The fire district was called back to the scene around 7 a.m. Friday after fire was seen coming from the roof area of the home again.
Firefighters returned to the scene and identified fire extension within concealed attic and roof spaces, Vucha said.
Crews worked to open the concealed areas, remove affected materials and fully extinguish remaining hot spots.
Vucha said the situation was quickly brought under control and no injuries were reported during the response.
The response was upgraded early to ensure adequate staffing, water supply and operational support based on the location of the incident and winter weather conditions.
“In rural response areas, additional resources are often requested sooner to maintain firefighter safety and sustain operations during cold weather conditions. Fires involving attic and roof spaces can present unique challenges due to hidden voids, layered construction, and materials that can retain heat for extended periods of time,” Vucha said.
“Even after a fire is initially controlled, changes in temperature, ventilation, or structural conditions can cause smoldering materials within concealed spaces to become visible at a later time,” he added.
Vucha said in a general safety reminder that residents are encouraged to have chimneys and fireplaces inspected and cleaned regularly by a qualified professional, especially during the winter heating season.
“Creosote buildup and structural issues can increase the risk of fire if not properly maintained,” he said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts.