Firefighter Injured Battling Blaze In Vacant Antique Evanston Home Amid Frigid Temps

EVANSTON, IL — Fire crews battled a massive house fire amid frigid early morning temperatures Saturday in Evanston's 6th Ward.

The effort drew fire crews from across the region as teams worked for hours to get it under control. One firefighter suffered a minor injury, officials said.

“We are incredibly proud of the efforts of all personnel involved in this difficult and intense operation,” Chief Paul Polep said in a statement. “Their professionalism and teamwork were exemplary, especially in the challenging weather conditions.”

The blaze broke out shortly before 2:30 a.m. in the 2300 block of Hartzell Street, where flames soon engulfed all three floors of a single-family home, according to fire officials. Firefighters began with a strategy of taking on the fire from the interior of the structure.

"However, after recognizing several hazards within the structure, all companies were pulled out and transitioned to a defensive attack," according to Division Chief Kim Kull.

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The fire was eventually extinguished through a coordinated effort. The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System brought in fire crews from Chicago and other nearby departments.

The fire department received additional support on-site from the Red Cross canteen and a CTA bus, which provided warming stations and refreshments for crews enduring freezing temperatures, officials said.

No one was home at the time of the fire, as its residents were away on vacation, officials said.

A neighbor said the home is more than a century old, telling news crews it is owned by an older couple who recently had it renovated.

No injuries among residents or bystanders were reported, and fire investigators have begun work to determine the cause of the blaze.