Townhouse Fire On Watercress Drive Contained To End Unit: Aurora FD

AURORA, IL — A townhouse in the 500 block of Watercress Drive caught fire Nov. 3, displacing residents after it was deemed uninhabitable, officials said Wednesday.

A total of 26 personnel were dispatched at 12:51 p.m. to the townhome complex to find heavy fire showing from the second floor of the two-story residence. Using a transitional attack — knocking down the fire from the outside before fully extinguishing the remaining flames inside — firefighters were able to put out the blaze within 26 minutes of the initial 911 call, according to a news release.

Officials said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Truck companies conducted searches of both floors and ventilated the roof while other units performed overhaul operations. The fire didn't extend into other units, officials said.

No one was home at the time of the fire, and no one was injured, but the townhouse was deemed uninhabitable. Victim Services and the Red Cross were contacted to help the displaced residents.

"Our firefighters acted quickly and effectively to contain the fire and prevent further damage to adjacent units," Fire Chief David McCabe said in a statement. "This incident highlights the importance of fire preparedness, especially as we head into colder months when the risk of residential fires tends to increase."