Aurora firefighters responded to two separate house fires last week, one of which left a single-family home uninhabitable, according to a news release from the Aurora Fire Department.
On Nov. 27 at around 7:34 p.m., firefighters responded to a reported structure fire in the 1500 block of Karen Court in Aurora, the news release said. Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames along the side of a two-story, single-family home and reported heavy smoke inside.
Crews deployed an initial hose line to control the exterior flames, while notifying additional units arriving of possible fire extension into the attic, the release said. The fire was upgraded to a full still alarm, bringing additional resources to the scene.
Additional crews then arrived and deployed a second hose line inside to address interior fire, the release said. Firefighters searched the structure and confirmed no occupants were inside, and then worked to ventilate and overhaul the affected areas, the release said.
The fire was brought under control, and utilities were secured by ComEd and Nicor, the release noted.
A total of four engine companies, two truck companies, three medic units and two chief officers, for a total of 26 personnel, responded to the scene, per the department.
No injuries were reported, the news release said, but the home was deemed uninhabitable due to fire and smoke damage. Victim Services assisted the displaced family, officials said.
Then, the next day, in the late evening, firefighters responded to a chimney fire in the 200 block of Lawndale Avenue in Aurora, per the release. Responding crews located a small fire in a chimney chase and contained it before it extended into the attic or surrounding structure, officials said.
The fire was extinguished, the home was ventilated, and there were no reported injuries, the department said.
In light of the two fires, Aurora Fire Department Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel, in the news release, noted that the winter months are a busy time for house fires as individuals use heating equipment — fireplaces in particular. He encouraged residents to have their fireplaces “professionally inspected and cleaned, and always make sure the flue is clear before lighting a fire.”
Both fires are still under investigation by fire department investigators, per the news release.