Two houses in Elgin were red tagged — deemed too dangerous to inhabit — after fires is separate parts of the city.

No one was hurt in either fire, but families were displaced from their homes and damage was significant.

Basement Fire in the 400 Block of Princeton Court

The Elgin Fire Department was dispatched at 3:58 p.m. Friday to a basement fire in a single-family home in the 400 block of Princeton Court. The fire was called in by the occupant as the family exited the home.

The first Elgin Fire Department units arrived on the scene within 6 minutes of dispatch and immediately began fire suppression. The fire was brought under control within 15 minutes. The fire did extend up into the first floor living area, but was the first-floor fire damage was kept to a minimum.

Although the fire was upgraded to a “working fire,” the additional units responding were quickly released including a South Elgin truck company.

There were no injuries reported to civilians or emergency responders. The estimated fire loss was approximately $50,000 to home and contents.

The affected home was red-tagged as the home was inhabitable due to fire and smoke damage. The neighboring connected duplex was also red-tagged due to smoke damage. Both families affected were assisted with housing arrangements.

The scene was turned over to the EFD’s fire investigators, and they will be determining the cause of the fire.

House Fire on Moseley Street

Members of the Elgin Fire Department responded at 12:25 p.m. Friday to the 300 block of Moseley Street for a report of a kitchen fire in a single family residence.

Responding fire companies found the two-story, single family home, with heavy smoke pushing from the first floor. Initial reports were that the family was out of the building and accounted for. The first arriving engine company arrived within 5 minutes of the alarm dispatch and immediately began suppression efforts. The fire was brought under control in 18 minutes.

The fire was contained to the kitchen area of origin but the house did suffer heavy smoke damage. Fire Investigators were called to the scene as the cause of the fire is being investigated and no determination has been made.

The estimated fire loss to the structure was $30,000, with additional losses to the family’s personal property.

The home was red-tagged as uninhabitable. The family was being assisted by the Red Cross with housing arrangements and other assistance.

There were no injuries to civilians or emergency responders, although the affected family was medically evaluated at the scene by EMS personnel.

SOURCE: Elgin Fire Department news releases