2 Neighboring Homes, 1 Garage Catch Fire On 4th Of July: Aurora FD

AURORA, IL — Aurora firefighters responded to two structure fires that affected two houses and a garage on the Fourth of July, officials said.

No injuries were reported in either fire, which broke out at 6:23 p.m. in the 1600 block of Cumberland Drive and at 11:25 p.m. in the 2200 block of Highfield Lane, according to a Monday evening news release.

Firefighters were called to the first incident after reports of a house fire to find siding burning on a single-family home. Twelve personnel responded and quickly extinguished the fire, but they found hotspots on the neighboring residence and detached garage, officials said.

Crews prevented the fire from extending into either home, and both residences remained habitable.

Later that night, reports came in of a garage fire at a two-story single-family house. Crews found a fully involved fire in the attached garage, threatening nearby homes, officials said.

A total of 24 personnel responded to the Highfield Lane fire. Firefighters initiated an aggressive attach while other crews searched the residence.

The fire was contained to the garage and rear kitchen area, preventing further extension into the residence, but the residence was deemed uninhabitable. Five adults and one child were displaced and are temporarily staying with family, officials said.

The causes of both fires remain under investigation, according to the release.

"Holiday celebrations often bring an increase in emergency calls, making preparation, teamwork, and quick decision-making even more important," Aurora Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement. "Our crews responded rapidly to both incidents, preventing more significant damage and ensuring everyone made it out safely. As summer activities continue, we encourage residents to use caution around grills, fire pits, fireworks, and other ignition sources to help prevent fires before they start."