Mansion Converted Into Multi-Family Building Catches Fire During Renovations: Aurora FD

AURORA, IL — A mansion-turned-multi-family-building under construction was deemed uninhabitable after a fire broke out Thursday morning, Aurora fire officials said.

A total of 25 personnel responded to the structure fire in the 400 block of West Downer Place. Initial reports indicated smoke and flames were coming from the roof of the three-story house, according to a news release.

Upon arrival, crews confirmed fire showing from the roof and began an interior attack while searching the building for victims and checking for fire spread in the attic. Due to the complexity of the building and the fire conditions on multiple floors, the response was upgraded to a second alarm, bringing additional crews to the scene.

Firefighters advanced multiple hose lines inside the house and up to the roof using ground and aerial ladders to reach and extinguish the fire. Crews brought the fire under control within 30 minutes, officials said.

One resident, a 26-year-old man, was living in the building during renovations. He evacuated safely and was later helped by family members after the house was deemed uninhabitable.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury and was taken to a local hospital for evaluation, officials said. No other injuries were reported."This was a fast-moving fire with challenging access conditions, but our crews worked quickly to stop it from spreading further," Aurora Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement. "Their coordinated response helped protect both the structure and the surrounding neighborhood."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Aurora Fire Department.