Attic Fire Leaves Aurora House Uninhabitable: AFD

AURORA, IL — A single-family home in the 400 block of Wilder Street was deemed uninhabitable after a fire broke out early morning March 13, officials said.

A total of 36 personnel responded at 6:55 a.m. to the 2.5-story residence to find a fire in the attic and chimney area.

Crews advanced hoselines to the upper floors while truck company personnel ventilated the house. During suppression efforts, firefighters noticed the chimney leaning toward the center of the home and temporarily transitioned to a defensive strategy as a safety precaution, according to a Monday news release. Once conditions improved, crews reentered the house to complete the overhaul and extinguishment.

Two adult residents safely evacuated before firefighters' arrival. One cat was rescued from the home. No injuries were reported.

The road was closed for several hours due to the amount of equipment required, officials said. The Aurora Emergency Management Agency assisted police until the road reopened.

"This incident demonstrates the importance of maintaining strong situational awareness during complex fires," Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement. "Our crews quickly adjusted tactics to ensure firefighter safety while continuing to bring the fire under control."

Aurora Fire Department investigators continue investigating the cause of the fire.