Barrington department fights fire, elements

The Barrington Fire Department battled its second blaze this week Saturday afternoon.

The fire at 600 E. Hillside Ave. started about 1:15 p.m. in the basement of a two-story home.

The department was at the scene for about 2 ½ hours, Lt. Christian Toussaint said. The cause of the fire still is under investigation.

Toussaint said the flames were contained to the basement; however, there was smoke damage to the rest of house. Damage estimates were unavailable Saturday.

He said some members of the family were home at the time, but they were able to get out of the house with no injuries.

The cold weather made the fire fighting a bit tougher than usual, Toussaint said.

"We don't have too much problem with water freezing in the hydrants," he said, "but the spray and what have you freezes on the scene."

Toussaint said the house was turned back over to the family Saturday evening.

Earlier this week, the Barrington Fire Department battled a blaze on West Park Drive. That Wednesday fire was labeled as suspicious.

Nobody was home at the time, and the damage is estimated at $250,000.