Waukegan Home Damaged in Basement Fire, Residents Displaced

No injuries reported as fire crews battle blaze that spread from basement to main living areas.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Firefighters responded to a house fire in Waukegan, Illinois on Wednesday afternoon that started in the basement and caused extensive damage throughout the single-family residence, leaving the occupants displaced. The fire department was able to extinguish the blaze, but the home was deemed uninhabitable due to the extent of the damage.

Why it matters

House fires can have devastating impacts on families, causing loss of property, disruption to daily life, and the need for emergency housing and assistance. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety and prevention efforts in local communities.

The details

According to Waukegan Fire Department Battalion Chief Todd Zupec, firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the one-story home on West Greenwood Avenue. The blaze was located in the kitchen and living room areas, but crews soon discovered the fire had also spread to the basement where it is believed to have originated. Firefighters had to exit the home temporarily to extinguish the basement fire before being able to fully put out the flames in the main living spaces.

  • The fire department responded around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2026.
  • Firefighters were able to re-enter the home and extinguish the rest of the fire after a few minutes.

The players

Waukegan Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to and battled the house fire.

Todd Zupec

Waukegan Fire Department Battalion Chief who provided details about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Firefighters arrived to find a one-story, single-family residence with heavy smoke coming from the building.”

— Todd Zupec, Battalion Chief, Waukegan Fire Department (lakemchenryscanner.com)

What’s next

The Waukegan Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire, which remains undetermined at this time.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and prevention measures in residential homes. While no injuries were reported, the extensive damage to the house left the occupants displaced, highlighting the need for community support and resources to assist families affected by such emergencies.