Multiple Genoa homes damaged by fire Sunday

GENOA – The Illinois State Fire Marshal is investigating a fire that broke out at a Genoa townhome complex early Sunday morning, City Administrator Alyssa Seguss said Monday.

Multiple Genoa homes were damaged by the fire, authorities said.

“I followed up with the Chief of Police and he said the fire is under investigation by the State Fire Marshall and awaiting a final report,” Seguss told Shaw Local.

Firefighters responded about 4:50 a.m. Sunday to the 200 block of Market Street for reports of multiple homes on fire in the Riverbend subdivision, according to the Genoa Police Department.

Crews responded, including firefighters and paramedics from agencies across DeKalb County and the region.

About 9 a.m., Genoa authorities reported that crews still were on the scene.

“Please continue to steer clear of the area,” authorities wrote on the Genoa Police Department’s Facebook page at 8:47 a.m.

The extent of the damage or number of residents displaced has not yet been publicly released. A staffer at Family Service Agency of DeKalb County told Shaw Local on Monday that one family was displaced as a result of the fire, and Genoa authorities were helping with temporary housing.

The Genoa-Kingston Fire Protection District has not released further details as of press time Monday. Officials with the fire district also did not respond to request for comment.

This story was updated at 5:45 p.m. March 17, 2025. Additional updates could occur.