One injured in Lake County house fire; cause unknown

Lake Zurich Fire Department officials are investigating a house fire that left the homeowner hospitalized.

A dozen fire departments assisted Lake Zurich in fighting the blaze that broke out at 10:27 p.m. Monday in the 23900 block of Overhill Drive, in the Forest Lake subdivision in unincorporated Lake County, said Lake Zurich Deputy Fire Chief Dave Wheelock.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, the homeowner, in his early 30s, was standing outside the one-story home. He suffered from smoke inhalation and was taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital near Barrington. A hospital spokeswoman said Tuesday that he is listed in good condition.

When fire crews arrived, smoke was escaping from the front of the home, and within 2 minutes the roof was engulfed in flames. Fire department officials said conditions quickly deteriorated and part of the roof collapsed, forcing firefighters to evacuate the home. The homeowner informed firefighters that there were no people or pets inside.

The fire was under control in 45 minutes, Wheelock said. He added that the home is uninhabitable.

Investigators continue to investigate the cause of the fire, which is not considered suspicious. Wheelock said it's believed that remodeling work being done at the house may have played a role in the fire.

The house is located in an area off Quentin Road that does not have fire hydrants. Tankers filled with water were brought in. Assisting departments included Wauconda, Buffalo Grove, Fox River Grove, Lake Forest and Palatine. Water trucks came from Long Grove, Barrington, Countryside and Palatine Rural fire departments. Lincolnshire/Riverwoods, Libertyville, Mundelein and Grayslake also assisted.