Community rallies to help Algonquin firefighter, family displaced from home after fire in Crystal Lake

Community members are raising money for an Algonquin firefighter and his family who were displaced from their Crystal Lake home after a fire heavily damaged it.

The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded around 4:40 a.m. Monday to the 1400 block of Fountain Green Drive in Crystal Lake for a report of a structure fire.

Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Battalion Chief James Sustek said the homeowner called 911 to report the deck in the rear of the house was on fire.

Firefighters arrived in six minutes and confirmed the deck at the rear of the residence was on fire. The fire had spread to the residence.

The homeowner reported that everyone was out of the residence and accounted for, Sustek said.

A search of the two-story, single-family home confirmed no one was inside.

Sustek said multiple hose lines were used to extinguish the fire.

The blaze was deemed under control at 4:52 a.m.

The home sustained significant fire damage to the rear of the structure, Sustek said.

The residence also sustained water and smoke damage throughout.

Damage to the residence and content was estimated at $100,000. The home has been declared uninhabitable.

There were no injuries to any firefighters or residents of the home, Sustek said.

Lake in the Hills resident Cody Wennerstrom said the home belonged to Adam Murphy and his wife, Taylor.

"Adam is a firefighter for Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District who never thinks twice about helping people during tough times. He's always willing to reach out and puts his own safety at risk," Wennerstrom said.

"Taylor is the most comforting and genuine person you could ever meet," Wennerstrom added.

Murphy's daughter was not home when the fire started but she now has "nothing to come home to."

A GoFundMe account has raised over $12,000 in two days thanks to over 100 donors.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department.