Lake Zurich Family Displaced After House Fire

Firefighters are still investigating the cause of a house fire at 937 Glencoe Terrace that left four adults and a baby homeless.

firefighters arrived on the scene at 6:01 p.m., according to Lt. Jeffrey Grant. 

Two people were home at the time, but a 911 call was delayed because one of them was trying to put the fire out on his own.

Barrington, Wauconda, Long Grove and a number of other area fire departments assisted and found the one-story home with fire showing from two sides.

“The fire was quickly knocked down and under control within 15 minutes, and completely out within a half hour,” said Grant.

Firefighters cleared the scene by 8:30 p.m.

“The entire house has heat and smoke damage,” said Fire Chief Dave Wheelock. “The delay in calling 911 could have intensified the damage as well.”

Wheelock said the fire began in a bedroom, though a specific cause has not been determined. 

A charger plugged into an outlet in the bedroom is a suspected source, and because sparks were visible to firefighters on the scene, the cause could be electrical-related.

“The insurance company makes the final determination, but the cause does not appear to be suspicious,” Wheelock said.

The American Red Cross began support services for the family immediately, and Wheelock said temporary shelter and clothing have been provided to them.

There were no injuries to the occupants or to firefighters.

Wheelock said this situation is a good example showing that people who encounter a fire should evacuate immediately and call 911.