Late night fire damages Arlington Heights home

Arlington Heights fire officials suspect oily rags improperly disposed of during remodeling work ignited a blaze that scorched the exterior of a house late Wednesday night.

Firefighters called to the home on the 1000 block of North Mitchell Avenue just before 11 p.m. noticed smoke and fire in the rear exterior of the house, next to two garbage bags that residents said were filled with debris from a floor refinishing project, officials said.

No injuries were reported.

The fire was mostly contained to the exterior of the two-story, single-family home located just north of downtown, fire officials said.

The residents were allowed to return to the home after firefighters declared the structure safe. Damage was estimated at $20,000.

The fire remains under investigation.