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Massive fire reported at Elgin homeless encampment, no injuries
A large fire at a homeless encampment in Elgin prompted a massive response from officials and temporarily halted Metra trains. Video courtesy of Dagoberto Pena.
ELGIN, Ill. - A large fire at a homeless encampment in Elgin prompted a massive response from officials and temporarily halted Metra trains.
The fire was reported at 4:48 p.m. Wednesday in the 500 block of N. State Street.
When firefighters arrived, they found two to three structures fully engulfed in flames, according to the Elgin Fire Department.
No injuries were reported among the residents of the encampment or to responding firefighters.
Fire crews are still searching through the area to ensure no one was affected by the fire.
Due to the fire's proximity to nearby railroad tracks, Metra train service was temporarily halted.
"Due to an ongoing fire adjacent to the tracks near Big Timber Road, outbound trains will not operate past Elgin until further notice. Metra will provide updates as information becomes available," Metra said.
As of 7:15 p.m., Metra restored train service near Big Timber Road.
The public was urged to avoid the area, specifically between Kimball Street and Wing Street and the Kimball Street Bridge, according to Elgin police.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as they become available.