Major damage averted in South Elgin structure fire

The quick response by fire crews in South Elgin allowed a structure fire to be contained before growing out of control on Saturday.

The South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District responded to a reported structure fire on the 500 block of Camden Lane at 7:40 p.m. to find heavy black smoke coming from the attached garage of a two-story residence, according to a news release.

Within four minutes of their arrival, crews doused the fire and brought it under control. Thanks to their swift response, the fire was unable to spread from the garage into the main living area of the residence, the release stated.

All of the house’s residents were able to get out safely before first responders arrived at the scene. As a result, no civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

Despite the worst of the damage being averted, the home still was deemed uninhabitable with estimated damages totaling around $50,000, officials stated.

The cause of the fire is still unknown and remains under investigation.