Officials Blame Animal Nest Near Chimney Flue For House Fire

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — A Friday night fire is being called accidental as it is believed it was caused by an animal nest, located around the chimney flue in the attic of an Arlington Heights home. Authorities said Monday no firefighters or civilians were hurt in the blaze, but the home is uninhabitable.

Firefighters were called to the single-family home at around 8:52 p.m. Friday, according to a release. The first arriving crews found fire venting from the west side of the house at the roofline. The main body of the fire was found in an upper bedroom and was controlled within 10 minutes.

The fire had extended very aggressively into the attic area and crews spent a lot of time removing drywall and extinguishing hot spots, according to the release. The Arlington Heights Fire Department was assisted by crews from Palatine, Buffalo Grove and Prospect Heights fire departments.

The residents were able to get out safely due to working smoke alarms which alerted them to the fire.

The Arlington Heights Fire Department is reminding residents of the importance of working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Fire officials advise residents to test their detectors once a month and replace batteries as necessary.

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