House severely damaged in overnight Lake Zurich fire

Lake Zurich Fire officials Saturday were investigating the cause of an early morning house fire that has left residents seeking shelter.

Capt. David Pilgard said firefighters arrived at 2:51 a.m. to the house fire in the 1100 block of Centoni Drive to find "heavy fire and smoke conditions" throughout the house.

"It was quite an extensive fire and it caused significant damage to the home," Pilgard said. "It was reported by the 911 caller that the fire started in the basement but our investigators are still working to verify that."

All of the residents escaped safely but a family cat is believed to have died in the fire.

Lake Zurich firefighters received mutual aid from 14 area fire departments as they battled the fire for nearly an hour.

Pilgard said the American Red Cross is helping the family make alternative lodging arrangements.