Fire destroys Mundelein garage

An early-morning fire destroyed a Mundelein garage Wednesday and caused an estimated $35,000 in damage.

Firefighters were called to a fully engulfed fire at 1125 Highland Drive around 7:50 a.m., Mundelein fire Lt. Tim Starkey said.

The homeowner was able to get his car out of the garage before the fire engulfed the structure, he said.

The cause of the blaze is still under investigation, said Starkey, who estimated damages at $15,000 to the building and $20,000 to the content.

The Countryside and Libertyville fire departments assisted.

Homeowner Debbie Moore said she is happy her husband, Terry, was home at the time so the fire did not spread.

Moore said because her home doesn't have a basement, many of their belongings, particularly memorabilia and sports equipment, were stored in the garage.

"Thank God it didn't reach the house," Moore said. "There is something to be said for having a detached garage."