Cat dies in Elgin fire

A pet cat died a residential fire early Tuesday in Elgin that caused an estimated $140,000 in damages, fire officials said.

A resident of a house at 888 N. McLean Blvd. called the Elgin Fire Department at 2:35 a.m. after they heard a noise outside their house and lost power, according to a news release from the fire department. The residents thought the transformer shorted out, and evacuated the house immediately.

When firefighters arrived flames could be seen both in the interior and outside rear of the house. Firefighters initiated an aggressive attack on the interior first and second floor, and the enclosed porch, according to the fire department. The fire was under control at 3:06 a.m.

The cat died of smoke inhalation, fire officials said.

There were no injuries to residents or responders.

The residents of the home got temporary housing from friends after the house was deemed uninhabitable due to fire damage, officials said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.