Carpentersville fire destroys home

A fire ravaged a Carpentersville home on the 400 block of Blackhawk Drive late Monday night. No one was home when the fire started, according to Carpentersville Fire Chief John Schuldt, but several pets perished in the blaze. Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire and expect to have an answer by the end of the week.

"We're looking at a lot of different possibilities," Schuldt said.

Firefighters responded to a call just after 11 p.m. and arrived to heavy fire and smoke from the rear of the home. Half of the roof had already collapsed. Firefighters had the fire under control in 30 minutes and out in 45 minutes, but not in time to prevent major damage.

"The house is basically totaled," Schuldt said. "The family lost everything."

Schuldt said the house will likely have to be torn down.

One firefighter suffered an arm laceration at the scene. He was treated and transported to Sherman Hospital in Elgin where he received several stitches before returning to duty.