(CREDIT: Google Maps)

Two weekend fires — one in Elgin and one in St. Charles — caused significant damage and displaced one family.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

According to an Elgin Fire Department news release, firefighters responded just before 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, to the 500 block of Thorndale Drive for a report of fire coming from the garage of a home.

Responding fire companies found a split-level duplex with the entire back of the home on fire and fire burning through the roof.

The first arriving engine company arrived on scene in about four-and-a-half minutes, fire officials said. Three hose lines were used to attack the fire and prevent further damage to the neighboring residences.

Officials said the fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

The occupants of the residence were not home at the time of the fire. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries due to the fire.

Two other homes suffered minor damage from both heat and water.

The building was red-tagged as uninhabitable, and code enforcement was notified for follow-up. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Structure Fire at 1809 Cambridge Drive

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

The St. Charles Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 2:22 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, in an attached garage at 1809 Cambridge Drive.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

According to a news release, firefighters were on the scene by 2:27 p.m. and found a small fire in the garage.

The homeowner had extinguished most of the fire before firefighters arrived. Firefighters extinguished the rest of the fire, checked for any fire extension and ventilated smoke.

There were three occupants at the home, and all three were check by paramedics. None required transport to a hospital.

The fire was discovered after the homeowner smelled smoke and investigated the source. He then called 9-1-1.

Officials attributed the cause of the fire to improper disposal of ashes from the fireplace.

Fire loss is estimated at $25,000 to the structure, a vehicle that was parked in the garage and its contents.

The St. Charles Fire Department was assisted on the scene by Geneva and Batavia fire departments.