Townhouse Fire in Palatine Causes $150K in Damage, Home Uninhabitable

A Palatine townhouse fire which started late Thursday night left the home uninhabitable. The homeowner suffered injuries and was transported to the hospital. 

Acccording to a Palatine Fire Department press release, the fire was reported by a neighbor, and occurred at 1360 Knollwood Drive just before midnight Thursday. 

When Palatine police and firemen arrived at midnight, fire was observed coming out of the front door and first floor windows, the press release stated. 

The fire was extinguished and under control by 12:07 a.m., the release stated. 

The homeowner, who was the only occupant, was attempting to extinguish the fire with a garden hose as police and firemen arrived, and did sustain smoke inhalation and burns on his hands. He was transported to Northwest Community Hospital. 

Three cats also were in the home at the time of the fire, and one did succumb to its injuries. 

It is not clear if smoke detectors in the home were working at the time of the fire. The homeowner stated he woke up to find smoke, and the living room was on fire. 

The Palatine Fire Department investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Damage is estimated at $150,000.   

Palatine Rural Fire Department assisted on the call.