Officials: South Elgin home left uninhabitable by fire

Severe water damage left a South Elgin home uninhabitable Monday evening, officials said.

Firefighters from the South Elgin & Countryside Fire Protection District responded at 4:25 p.m. to a report of a garage fire on Fairfax Lane, according to a news statement. En route, firefighters noted heavy smoke pouring out of the area, and upon arrival, they found an active fire on the side of the garage that spread to the attic of the home, the report said.

Vaulted ceilings above both the garage and attic and “construction limitations” obstructed firefighters’ access, prompting a call for more help from neighboring fire departments, the release said.

Firefighters were able to subdue the fire to the garage and the attic in the house, and both areas were affected by significant fire damage, the release said. All living areas in the home were saved from the fire, but significant water damage drenched the areas, making the home unlivable, according to the release.

There were no major injuries. One firefighter was treated for minor cuts to the hands on scene, per the release.

The fire was quelled by 5:24 p.m., and crews stayed on scene until just after 8 p.m. to make sure the fire was completely out, the release said.

The fire is under investigation; it’s believed to be accidental.