Battalion Chief Brian Tamason of the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department said firefighters were called to a 6-unit complex on Ambassador Circle for an activated fire alarm at 1:17 a.m. Thursday.
Upon arrival, fire crews rapidly identified the activated fire alarm in building 406 and observed smoke showing from an east-side garage door.
Building 406 is a large two-story multifamily residence where units are side-by-side.
Battalion 3 established command and upgraded the response to a working fire while fire crews quickly located a small fire in a garage, Tamason said.
Fire crews noted the small fire was being held in check by an operating residential sprinkler system, which prevented further fire growth and extension.
Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire, Tamason said, reporting the fire was out at 1:36 a.m.
Smoke, fire, and water damage were isolated to the single two-car garage, Tamason said. The estimated loss to the property is $5,000.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
Tamason said all residential units at this location remain habitable and no residents were displaced because of the blaze.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Tamason said the fire serves as a powerful example of the life-saving importance of fire sprinkler systems.
Nationally, fire sprinklers are estimated to control or extinguish approximately 52,800 fires each year, he said, Tamason said.
In this incident, the fire was held in check by the building’s sprinkler system, resulting in minimal damage and no civilian injuries.
Because the fire was contained, Tamason said the resident was able to safely return home without being displaced.
Area fire departments, including Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District, Cary Fire Protection District, Huntley Fire Protection District, McHenry Township Fire Protection District, Nunda Rural Fire Protection District, and Wauconda Fire District, were dispatched to the scene to assist.
Carpentersville Fire Department and the Woodstock Fire and Rescue Districts worked to handle change of quarters duties for the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department.