Smoke detectors likely faulty in Gurnee fire

Firefighters are again asking people to ensure their smoke detectors are working after having to wake a person from a house fire Friday morning.

Battalion Chief Bob Heraver of the Gurnee Fire Department said firefighters were called to a home in the 3400 block of Country Club Avenue just before 9 a.m. Friday for an apparent kitchen house fire.

He said heavy smoke and fire was showing from the rear of the house and on the roof when firefighters arrived at the scene.

Officials immediately attacked the fire from outside while a crew searched through the house looking for anyone.

"We recovered one person sleeping in the home and we evacuated her unharmed," Heraver said. "I don't think smoke detectors were working in the home because she was unaware of the fire until we woke her up and got her out."

Heraver also said two dogs were found in the home's basement and were pulled out of the home without injuries.

He added that the fire, in the kitchen and in attic of the single-story home, was put out in about 30 minutes.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation, Heraver said, and a dollar amount for damages was not available.

He added the fire does not seem suspicious in any way.

"The person inside the home was very lucky in that someone saw the fire, called for help, we got there, and were able to pull her out without any injuries," he said. "This is why it's important that homes have working smoke detectors."