Girl, 3, alerts mother to home fire

A 3-year-old girl alerted her mother about a fire at their northwest suburban Elgin home Wednesday morning, leaving them enough time to escape through a first-floor window.

Firefighters responded to the blaze about 11 a.m. in the 300 block of Triggs, according to a statement from the Elgin Fire Department. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy black smoke emitting from the ground floor of the home.

The fire was brought under control about 10 minutes later, fire officials said.

The homeowner told officials her 3-year-old daughter alerted her about the fire and that they were able to climb out through a window just before firefighters arrived.

Both the mother and daughter were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and released.

Smoke damage was extensive and extended throughout the entire first floor, fire officials said. The estimated damage is thought to be about $15,000.