Auto repair shop catches fire in Elgin

An auto repair shop was significantly damaged when it caught fire in northwest suburban Elgin Saturday morning.

At 9:43 a.m., firefighters were sent to 576 Page Ave., according to the Elgin Fire Department. The first firefighters arrived within five minutes of the call and found heavy smoke and flames coming from an overhead front door. The fire was under control within 16 minutes of their arrival.

The owner of the building and employees were able to get out of the building, the department said. No injuries were reported.

The fire destroyed two vehicles inside the shop that were waiting for repairs and the building was deemed uninhabitable after the fire was put out, the department said. The damage was estimated at $350,000.

The cause of the fire was under investigation Saturday afternoon, but investigators believed the fire started by the use of a cutting torch.