Elgin police seek arson clues

Elgin police are asking for help to solve an apparent arson on the city's west side Aug. 30 in which a home was broken into and burned, resulting in $450,000 damage.

Firefighters responded to a home in the 2000 block of Clearwater Way in the Eagle Heights subdivision at about 2:30 a.m., police said.

No one was injured and neighbors were evacuated, police said.

"We have reason to believe that there was forcible entry into the home," said Elgin Police Detective Brian Gorcowski. "We also believe the fire was intentionally set."

Elgin Police spokeswoman Sue Olafson said the homeowners were out of town when the fire occurred. She said no vehicles were damaged in the fire.

A salvage crew was cleaning out the house Tuesday afternoon and yellow fire tape cordoned off the rear of the home, where the fire appeared to have started.

One neighbor said firefighters pounded on his door that night and hosed down the side of his house to keep the fire from spreading.

People with information about the fire can call the department's anonymous tip line at (847) 695-4195 or Gorcowski at (827) 289-2613.