House, Chimney Catch Fire In Aurora: 'This Time Of Year Is One Of The Busiest For House Fires'

AURORA, IL — A two-story house and a chimney at a separate home caught fire at the end of November, prompting Aurora Fire Department officials to urge residents to take preventative measures during the winter months.

A total of 26 personnel were dispatched at 7:34 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day to the 1500 block of Karen Court for a report of a structure fire. Crews arrived to find flames climbing the side of the single-family home and heavy smoke conditions inside.

The first-arriving firefighters deployed a hose line to knock down the exterior flames and notified incoming units of a possible fire extension that resulted in additional resources, according to a news release. Backup crews arrived soon after and used a second hose line to address the interior fire.

No residents were inside the house, which was deemed uninhabitable due to fire and smoke damage. Utilities were secured by ComEd and Nicor, and Victim Services responded to help the displaced family.

Late the next evening, firefighters responded to a chimney fire in the 200 block of Lawndale Avenue. Crews found a small fire inside the chimney chase and were able to contain it before it extended into the attic or house, officials said. The home was ventilated after the fire was extinguished, and no injuries were reported.

"This time of year is one of the busiest for house fires, as colder weather sets in and people begin using heating equipment again," Aurora Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement. "In particular, chimney fires become more common as people light their fireplaces for the first time in months."

To prevent fires, Nickel said residents should have their fireplace professionally inspected and cleaned. It's also important to ensure the flue is clear before lighting a fire, he said.

Both incidents remain under investigation by the Aurora Fire Department.