Two people were treated for smoke inhalation Monday after a fire started by a deck grill spread into a home in Hampshire and left it badly damaged, officials said.
Firefighters arrived at the residence in the 800 block of Elm Street about 4 p.m. to find heavy fire coming from the rear of the two-story structure and the blaze extending into the attic, Hampshire Fire Chief Trevor Herrmann said in a news release.
The smoke was so heavy it could be seen from several blocks away, and prompted the call to be upgraded to a general alarm before firefighters even arrived so additional fire departments could respond, Herrmann said.
Officials were initially told someone was inside the home but later determined that both residents had escaped the building and were unaware that the other was outside, the report said.
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However, one of the residents and a Hampshire police officer were overcome by smoke and transported to an Elgin hospital for treatment. No information on their conditions was released.
The cause of the fire, which was under control in about 45 minutes, was a propane grill that caught fire on the back deck. Flames quickly spread up the side of the home and into the attic space, the release said.
Damage was estimated at more than $100,000, with the worst encompassing in the home’s attic and rear side, officials said. There also was water and smoke damage throughout, officials said.
Fire departments from Pingree Grove, Burlington, Huntley, Genoa, Marengo, Fox River and Elburn assisted with the blaze and emergency services. The Sycamore and Maple Park fire departments covered the district and responded to local calls while the crews were out, the report said.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.