Three-alarm fire damages West Chicago area home

A large fire at a home in an unincorporated area near West Chicago Monday injured one person, caused extensive damage and required assistance from more than 12 departments, fire officials said.

The blaze started just after 11 a.m. at a two-story, single family home on Hickory Lane, between Hillcrest and Indian Knoll Road.

The home's owners were already out of the house when firefighters arrived a short time later to find smoke coming from the second floor, West Chicago Deputy Chief Steve Lakics said.

Because of its location in an unincorporated area without fire hydrants, firefighters had to bring water in via tanks.

"Access was a little difficult with smaller, narrower roads, getting crews in and in position," Lakics said. "We had to tank water in and lay large lengths of hose to move water from the trucks."

The fire escalated to a third alarm, bringing in 12 other area fire departments.

Fire officials believe the fire started in an upstairs bathroom area, Lakics said, and damaged much of the house.

"It's still under investigation, but from what I've been told, it seems accidental," Lakics said. "It didn't appear to be any foul play."

One of the home's occupants had minor injuries and was taken to Central DuPage Hospital for treatment, he said.

No damage estimates were available.