Firefighters warn of halogen lamp hazard after fire in N. Barrington

Firefighters are warning residents to turn off halogen lamps when they are not in use after a preliminary investigation showed a lamp started a fire in a North Barrington home Friday.

Lake Zurich fire officials responded to the 100 block of Route 59 about 2:54 p.m., officials said.

The single-story home was filled with smoke, and firefighters found a smoldering fire in the basement, officials said.

Officials said the lamp was left on and fell onto a pile of clothes while the resident was out, preliminary investigation shows. Firefighters put out the fire with one hand line and a minimum amount of water.

The fire is considered an accident, pending a final report.

Because of the size and length of the driveway, part of Route 59 had to be closed for about an hour to make room for fire apparatus, officials said.

Barrington, Long Grove and Wauconda fire departments assisted Lake Zurich.

Firefighters reminded homeowners that leaving halogen lights on when unattended can be dangerous because the bulbs heat up to high temperatures.