Wheaton House Fire Causes 'Extensive Damage:' Authorities

WHEATON, IL -- A resident sustained minor injuries after a fire broke out in a two-story home in Wheaton Thursday afternoon. Authorities say the blaze caused "extensive damage" to the house, which is located across from Emerson Elementary School in the 200 block of Woodlawn Street.

The home's resident was already out safely when fire crews got to the scene around 1 p.m., according to a press release. It took firefighters about 20 minutes to put out the "heavy" flames, which had begun to extend to the second floor of the house.

The victim was treated at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital for follow-up care. The blaze left the home uninhabitable, according to city officials.

Local traffic was affected by the fire, which caused temporary traffic delays on Woodlawn and Childs and led to an alternate pickup site for students at Emerson Elementary School.

Authorities say the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but that it does not appear to be suspicious.

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