Fire destroys Peru home

A fire early this morning destroyed a Peru home at Fifth and Grant streets, said fire chief Jeff King.

Multiple departments responded to the fire at 1:29 a.m. this morning that eventually destroyed the house.

A 13-year-old boy was home by himself when a fire started to consume his house, King said. There were no injuries, said police chief Doug Bernabei.

King said the boy was sleeping on the couch, woke up, saw the fire in the kitchen and then called 911. His mom was at work, King said.

When responders arrived, the house’s backend was fully involved and already in the attic/roof area, then the fire started to consume the living room and kitchen.

Two crews were sent into the house but then came out because the fire was over their heads, so then the firefighters fought it defensively, King said.

Responders were there until 4:55 a.m.

Peru, Oglesby, La Salle, Peru, Spring Valley and Standard fire departments responded, along with Peru public works, Peru electric and Peru ambulance. King thanked the dispatchers too.

The Illinois Fire Marshal was en route to determine a cause this morning.

Ali Braboy can be reached at (815) 220-6931 and abraboy@shawmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @NT_LaSalle.