A raging fire burned down an apartment building in northwest suburban Lakemoor overnight, leaving nearly 50 without a place to live.
The blaze broke out at 505 Autumn Blvd around 11 p.m. Thursday, according to firefighters.
Flames shot out of the roof, which partially collapsed before crews arrived, said Fox Lake Fire Department Battalion Chief Ed Lescher.
About 20 different fire departments battled the blaze until extinguishing it around 5 a.m.
Lescher estimated the fire destroyed 12 units in the building, rendering it unhabitable. Up to 50 people lost their homes, he said.
When the fire started, alarms sounded and people started banging on doors, said residents.
Everyone escaped without injuries, said Lescher.
Residents are grateful for their safety but are saddened over what they've lost.
"I lost my animals both of my cats, my fish. All my daughters' stuff. Everything's gone," said Nicole Lemerand. "I have no keys to my vehicle. I have no purse. I have no cell phone. I have no money. I have nothing. Everything was in the house."
No word on the cause of the fire.
The state fire marshall is assisting in the investigation, he said.
