Townhomes damaged by fire in Crystal Lake

A fire that damaged multiple townhouses in Crystal Lake today was discovered by the battalion chief of a fire station around the corner.

Battalion Chief Thomas G. Pollnow said he noticed what appeared to be dust rising into the sky at about 12:15 p.m.

He went to check it out, found the townhouse building at 1216 Walnut Glen Drive in flames and called in the fire.

No one was home when the fire broke out but three units were left uninhabitable, Pollnow said.

The fire was contained but Pollnow said crews would be working the scene for much of the night.

No cause or damage estimate has been determined.