South Elgin homes left uninhabitable after house fires

Two homes were left uninhabitable after two separate early Friday morning fires near South Elgin.

No injuries were reported in either blaze as well.

The first call South Elgin and Countryside Fire Protection District firefighters responded to was just after 1 a.m. for a two-story, single-family home on the 8N600 block of Barry Road.

The homeowner had managed to escape the blaze, but told firefighters a dog was still inside the house. Firefighters were able to rescue the uninjured pet.

The fire caused extensive damage to the first and second floors, before venting into the attic, fire officials said. Damage is estimated at roughly $350,000.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The second fire was reported just after 6:20 a.m. on the 7N300 block of Route 31.

Neighbors told responding firefighters that the owner was out of town. Firefighters were able to determine the house was empty at the time of the blaze.

Fire officials believe the fire began on the lower level of the house, but extended into the attic. The ceiling had to be torn out to fight the fire in the attic.

The cause of the fire also remains under investigation, but is believed to be accidental.