Fire at 'Little Friends' home in Naperville

A house occupied by residents affiliated with Little Friends Inc. was damaged by fire early Wednesday morning, but no injuries were reported, Naperville Fire Department officials said.

Firefighters responded at 1:19 a.m. to the building at 760 S. Washington St. and found the blaze at the rear of the structure. Five adults were safely evacuated.

The fire apparently started on a deck and spread up the rear wall toward the interior attic and kitchen area, authorities said. The deck was destroyed, they said, but firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent additional damage to the building's interior.

Four residents of the home and their caretaker temporarily were moved to a waiting area inside neighboring Edward Hospital before being allowed back in the house.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials said. Damage was estimated at $7,500.

Little Friends is a private, nonprofit organization serving children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.