An Elgin home is uninhabitable after a Wednesday-night “working fire” that brought four fire departments to the scene.

(CREDIT: Google Maps)

According to an Elgin Fire Department news release, firefighters responded at around 10:05 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 16, 2019) to the 100 block of North Gifford Street for a report of a possible structure fire.

The fire was called in by the occupants when they smelled smoke, then heard a smoke detector activate inside the home.

Upon arrival, smoke was visible inside the structure and was believed to be coming from around the fireplace.

The fire was immediately upgraded to a “working fire,” which brought three additional fire units to the scene.

The residents were out of the house, and they informed the firefighters they had been burning in the fireplace all day.

The first Elgin Fire Department units arrived on the scene within three minutes of dispatch and immediately began to search for the location of the fire.

The fire was discovered in the walls next to the fireplace, causing damage to the immediate area as well as smoke damage throughout the residence through void spaces in the walls.

EFD units quickly extinguished the fire using a pre-connected “skid load” hose. Units on scene also conducted a search of the residence and did not find any occupants still inside.

A hole was cut in the roof to allow for ventilation of smoke and toxic gasses.

Officials estimate the damage to house and contents at around $40,000, leaving it uninhabitable. The residents were able to relocate for the night at a relative’s home nearby.

The cause of the fire is under investigation at this time.

For more information, please contact Battalion Chief Terry Bruce at 847-354-5000.

SOURCE: Elgin Fire Department news release