1 Injured, 2 Displaced After Fire On West Downer Place: Aurora FD

AURORA, IL — One person was injured, and two residents were displaced after a fire broke out early Sunday at a house in the 600 block of West Downer Place, officials said.

The Aurora Fire Department was called at 2:14 a.m. to the three-story, wood-frame house, finding heavy smoke and fire conditions. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack, while other crews conducted a primary search and established backup hoses.

Due to cold temperatures, strong winds, and the size and complexity of the house, crews worked for several hours to extinguish the fire, the department said in a news release Monday. Officials said the residence was "heavily congested with contents," making navigation and fire control challenging.

One person sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized for medical evaluation. A firefighter was treated at the scene but did not require additional medical attention, officials said.

The residence was deemed uninhabitable. Two adult residents were displaced and are temporarily staying with a neighbor, according to the fire department.

Officials did not state a preliminary cause of the fire, which remains under investigation.

"This incident highlights the importance of having working smoke alarms and an evacuation plan in place," Aurora Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement. "Despite difficult conditions, our crews worked quickly and safely to control the fire and prevent further damage, while ensuring the safety of the occupants and our firefighters."