Ranch On Howard Avenue Uninhabitable After Blaze: AFD

AURORA, IL — A single-family wood-frame ranch in the 500 block of Howard Avenue caught fire Tuesday afternoon, displacing its residents, the Aurora Fire Department said Wednesday.

A total of 26 personnel — including four engines, two trucks, two medic units and three chief officers — were dispatched to the structure fire at 4:02 p.m. Tuesday. The first-arriving crews found heavy smoke and visible flames showing from the rear corner of the one-story house.

To curb the fire, engine companies initiated an interior attack by stretching a pre-connected line through the front door while also deploying a backup line and searching for residents, finding no one inside the house, according to a news release.

Truck crews ventilated the house to help extinguish the flames and improve visibility for the firefighters inside. The fire was extinguished within 32 minutes of the initial 911 call, officials said.

Firefighters also discovered a live electric wire in the backyard and cordoned it off, but officials did not say if this played a role in the fire starting. ComEd later rendered the wire safe.

The house sustained significant fire, smoke and water damage and was deemed uninhabitable. Victim Services was called in to help residents secure temporary housing.

No civilians or firefighters were injured in the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"Our team's prompt and professional response was instrumental in containing this fire and ensuring the safety of the surrounding area," Fire Chief David McCabe said in a statement. I encourage all residents to test their smoke alarms regularly and practice fire drills at home to be prepared for emergencies."