Officials: Fire at Elgin home contained to chimney

Elgin firefighters were able to quickly extinguish a chimney fire Wednesday night before the blaze could spread to other parts of the house, officials said.

When crews arrived at the home on the 900 block of Chippewa Drive, flames were coming from the top of the chimney, according to Elgin Battalion Chief Robb Cagann. Some firefighters went to the roof to put out the chimney fire, he said, while others went inside the home to extinguish the fire in the fireplace.

It's not clear exactly why the top of the chimney caught fire, Cagann said, but there are many ways it can happen including a bird's nest built too close to the hot stovepipe or poor installation.

Cagann recommended everyone have their chimney checked regularly.

"Most people, in my experience, haven't had their chimneys checked in years," Cagann said.

No injuries were reported, and property damage was estimated at about $1,000.