Aurora, IL — A third-alarm house fire on Wilder Street left an Aurora home uninhabitable Friday morning.
According to the Aurora Fire Department, crews responded around 6:55 a.m. Friday, March 13, to a reported structure fire in the 400 block of Wilder Street. The incident was initially dispatched as a box alarm before being upgraded to a third alarm as firefighters encountered challenging conditions while working to control the blaze.
A total of 36 personnel responded, including six engine companies, three truck companies, three medic units, and three chief officers.
When crews arrived, firefighters discovered a working fire in the attic and chimney area of a 2½-story single-family home. Engine companies advanced hose lines to the upper floors while truck companies carried out ventilation operations to release heat and smoke.
During suppression efforts, firefighters observed that the chimney was leaning toward the center of the home, prompting crews to temporarily shift to a defensive strategy for safety reasons. Once conditions improved, firefighters re-entered the structure to complete overhaul and extinguishment.
Officials said two adult residents safely evacuated the home before firefighters arrived. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Due to fire damage, the residence was deemed uninhabitable, according to the department.
The roadway near the scene remained closed for several hours as emergency crews operated equipment and cleared the area. The Aurora Emergency Management Agency also assisted until the roadway reopened.
“This incident demonstrates the importance of maintaining strong situational awareness during complex fires,” Aurora Fire Deputy Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement, noting crews adjusted tactics to maintain firefighter safety.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Aurora Fire Department investigators.
The temporary road closure may have affected morning commuters traveling through nearby residential streets.
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