Investigators probing Wadsworth-area house fire

Newport Township Fire Protection District investigators are probing a blaze at a house near Wadsworth Friday night.

Fire Chief Mark Kirschhoffer said flames engulfed a single-family house in the 38600 block of North Arbor Court. The occupants were outside when crews arrived about 8:15 p.m. and no injuries to the residents or firefighters were reported.

Water tankers were required to douse the seven-alarm fire because there are no hydrants in the area, which Kirschhoffer said meant a need for help from several area departments.

Kirschhoffer said limited access to the home in unincorporated Lake County added to the challenge of striking the fire. He said the blaze was under investigation Saturday.

Officials said 40 firefighters responded to the incident, coming from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. A damage estimate is not yet available.

Firefighters remained on the scene at least until 11:30 p.m., although the flames were extinguished earlier in the evening.