No Injuries, But Significant Damage in Palos Heights House Fire

A Palos Heights home was badly damaged in a house fire that began shortly before 8 a.m. Monday.

Neighbors noticed heavy smoke coming from the home on the 12700 block of Auburn Avenue and called 911, Palos Heights Fire Chief Jack Nagle said. Fire crews responded and the fire was contained in about 8 minutes, Nagle said.

Nagle estimated the damage to the house at between $75,000 and $100,000. He also said a cat died in the blaze. The owners were not home at the time, Nagle said.

The fire started in the basement and investigators are still working to determine a cause, Nagle said.

Crews from Alsip, Crestwood and the Palos Fire Protection District assisted Palos Heights, Nagle said.