St. Charles police officer helps family escape fire

An alert St. Charles police officer spotted a house on fire early Tuesday morning and helped its occupants escape safely, authorities said.

The St. Charles Fire Department responded about 1:47 a.m. to the blaze in the 1800 block of Allen Lane and arrived to find heavy fire on the roof and in the attic area of the home. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control in about an hour, but remained in the scene until 5:27 a.m. completing overhaul operations and conducting the fire investigation, according to the fire department.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but authorities said it could be related to the severe storms that moved through the area Monday night and early Tuesday morning.

There were no injuries to firefighters or occupants, officials said. Damage to the home and its contents is estimated at $175,000.

St. Charles firefighters were assisted by the Geneva and Batavia fire departments. The Elburn and Fermilab fire departments provided coverage while St. Charles units were at the scene.