A Geneva home in the 800 block of Forrest Avenue was damaged by a fire Feb. 19 that was started due to the alleged use of a contractor’s blowtorch.

The Geneva Fire Department responded to the fire call at 8:53 a.m. made by a construction worker who was working on the property. Firefighters arriving on the scene found fire and smoke in the rear of the single-family home.

A fire attack and search protocol were initiated, and a working fire special alarm was transmitted.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze at 9:31 a.m. No residents were home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

The preliminary cause of the fire stemmed from the contractor allegedly using a blowtorch to melt ice on the home’s new addition foundation. The home sustained minor fire damage, and damage estimates still are being compiled.

Firefighters from Batavia, St. Charles, Elburn and West Chicago assisted Geneva at the scene. The Fermilab and North Aurora fire departments filled in Geneva Fire Stations No. 1 and 2 during the call. The Geneva Police Department provided additional support at the scene.

SOURCE: city of Geneva news release