Aurora Commercial Building Deemed Uninhabitable Following Blaze

AURORA, IL — A commercial property in Aurora was deemed uninhabitable after a blaze with "heavy smoke and fire conditions" Monday afternoon, officials said.

Firefighters were dispatched at about 4:30 p.m. to the structure in the 1000 block of Grace Street after multiple callers reported seeing smoke and flames in the area on the city's far south side. Dispatch originally advised up to four employees were possibly stuck in the burning building, but firefighters later determined no one was inside, according to a news release.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Aurora Fire Department.

A total of 29 personnel responded to the scene. The Aurora Fire Department sent five engine companies, two truck companies, three medic units and five chief officers, while the Montgomery Fire Department, who was called in to assist, dispatched one engine company and another fire chief.

Crews were able to extinguish a large bulk of the fire using a hose line with a nozzle designed to quickly discharge a large quantity of water. While Aurora firefighters worked to put out the structure fire and search and ventilate the building, Montgomery personnel protected the nearby residence from exposure, officials said.

Firefighters brought the flames under control in about an hour before remaining on the scene to ensure there was no further extension or hot spots.