Overnight Attic Fire Destroys House On Aurora's Southwest Side: FD

AURORA, IL — A house in the 400 block of Grant Place on Aurora's Southwest Side was destroyed early Thursday morning after a blaze broke out in the attic, fire officials said.

A total of 28 personnel were called to the 2.5-story house, which was converted into three units, at about 1:49 a.m. after an Aurora police officer spotted flames coming from the attic, according to a news release.

The officers helped evacuate two residents and their two dogs, but thick smoke prevented them from clearing the remaining units, officials said. Fire crews arrived to find fire showing from the second floor and attic at the rear of the house, leading to firefighters upgrading the alarm to bring more personnel to the scene.

Firefighters advanced hose lines to the second floor, completed searches and began vertical ventilation on the roof. Fire was concealed in several void spaces, requiring crews to remain on the scene "for an extended period" to conduct extensive overhaul, officials said.

ComEd and Nicor shut off utilities, and the home was declared uninhabitable due to smoke, fire and water damage. Red Cross and Victim Services were called in to help the displaced tenants with temporary shelter.

No injuries were reported, officials said.

"This was a fast-moving fire discovered in the middle of the night," Aurora Fire Chief David McCabe said in a statement. "Thanks to the quick actions of the police officers and coordinated work by our firefighters, everyone made it out safely. It's a good reminder to stay alert and make sure your home has working smoke alarms."

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