2 Joliet West-Side Homes Catch Fire During Overnight Blaze

JOLIET, IL — A Joliet family safely escaped a fire at their house early Sunday morning in the 1200 block of Alene Drive. The Joliet Fire Department sent fire engines from stations, 7, 8, 9 and 10 to the house at 1217 Alene Drive at 3:58 a.m. Fire Chief Greg Blaskey said the family was awoken by the smell of something burning outside. The family learned that their back deck was on fire.

"All members of the residence were able to escape unharmed. Upon arrival by fire crews, they found the deck and rear of the home on fire," Blaskey said.

The fire spread from the inside of the house and it also damaged the next door at 1215 Alene Drive. The Joliet Fire Department got the blaze under control at 4:11 a.m. The house a 1215 Alene Drive sustained exterior damage, but the house at 1217 Alene is no longer liveable.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Blaskey said.