(CREDIT: Google Maps)

An Elgin duplex is uninhabitable and the estimated damage is $100,000 after a Saturday deck fire on the city’s East Side.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

According to an Elgin Fire Department news release, firefighters responded at around 7 a.m. Saturday, March 2, to a report of fire coming from the backyard deck of a home in the 300 block of Campus Drive.

Responding fire companies found a one-story duplex with the entire back of both homes on fire.

The first arriving engine company arrived on scene in just under five minutes, officials said. An upgrade to a MABAS Box Alarm was utilized to bring additional firefighters to the scene, and to cover the Elgin fire stations.

Four hose lines were used to attack and control the fire. The fire was brought under control in about 20 minutes.

Initial damage estimates are in excess of $100,000.

The occupants of both homes were able to exit the building on their own prior to the arrival of the Fire Department. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries due to the fire.

Red Cross and the Elgin Fire Department chaplain provided assistance to the occupants of the homes.

Both homes were red-tagged as they are uninhabitable, and Code Enforcement was notified for follow-up.

Initial indications and information suggest the fire was accidental, but the Fire Investigation Team is still working to determine the cause.

SOURCE: Elgin Fire Department news release