(CREDIT: Google Maps)

Battling the snow and cold on Monday was tough enough for the average Jane or Joe, but the task for Elgin firefighters was truly difficult when members of the Elgin Fire Department responded to the 1100 block of Highbury Drive for a report of a fire in the home near the chimney.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

Firefighters responded at 5:28 p.m. Monday (Nov. 26, 2018), after calls from the neighbors reported seeing smoke and flames coming from the home.

The initial arriving fire crews arrived at 5:33 p.m. and found a one-story home, with smoke and heavy flames shooting from the roof and attic of the home.

As crews began to attack the fire, they were informed that everyone was out of the home, and the fire was brought under control at 5:43 p.m.

“The quick actions of responding firefighters allowed for extinguishing of the fire without the fire extending beyond the attic and roof area,” Fire Chief David Schmidt said in a news release.

As a result of the fire damage to the attic and roof areas, the residents have been displaced.

Due to multiple telephone calls received by the 9-1-1 Center and initial arriving police officers also reporting the fire, the fire was escalated to a working fire. A total of 24 firefighters staffing four fire engines, two ladder trucks, two ambulances and two chief officers responded to the scene.

“The recent snowfall and outside temperature created challenges for responding firefighters working on the scene as the water from the fire hoses quickly froze which created slippery conditions on the fire scene,” Schmidt said.

There were no injuries to residents or firefighters.

Elgin Fire Department investigators were on scene conducting their cause and origin investigation.

SOURCE: Elgin Fire Department news release