Aurora House Fire

Around 14:20 on September 5th, 2026 Aurora Fire Rescue was dispatched to a possible structure fire in a vacant home in the 1000 block of N. Racine St. While en route, Ladder 2 saw smoke from the roof and upgraded to a working structure fire. Engine 2 arrived and began fire attack. Ladder 2 split their crew and two firefighters went into the residence to begin a primary search. The other two firefighters went to the roof to begin cutting vertical ventilation of the home. While Ladder 2 was conducting a primary search of the residence, they informed command of the extreme hoarder conditions within all areas of the home. Due to these conditions, firefighters could barely move around within the structure. Command assigned Ladder 5 to assist Ladder 2 with the search. Because of the severe circumstances within the residence and difficult access to all spaces within the home, exterior windows had to be broken in order to use thermal imaging cameras,(TICs). These cameras were used to scan for heat signatures and possible victims. Additional vertical vents were cut in the roof so the interior could be flooded from above with water and foam. This assisted with the complete extinguishment of the fire. Primary and secondary searches were clear and negative. The incident was placed under control within 20 minutes with no injuries reported. Investigators have determined the origin of the fire was in the kitchen and a possible cause as either an unattended cooking fire or the improper disposal of smoking materials. Information provided by Aurora Fire Rescue