1 being investigated, dog missing after Blue Island fire destroys home, damages 3 others: officials

BLUE ISLAND, Ill. (WLS) -- One person is under investigation after a fire destroyed a house and damaged three others in south suburban Blue Island early Monday morning, officials said.

People nearby said they heard a loud bang before the fire ignited at a house in the 2000-block of Vermont Street around 4:15 a.m. ABC7 cameras were on the scene by 5:30 a.m.

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Only the brick entrance of that house was left standing.

The fire damaged four homes, including one that housed a hair salon.

Edward Castellana's home was among the four properties that were damaged. He said he grew up in the houses next door, so seeing them go up in flames was emotional for him.

"I was with my grandparents, and this was my second home. It was very emotional for me to see it disappear," he said.

Two ferrets and a cat made it out of the home where the fire started. However, family members said, their 8-year-old German Shepard named Lexi is still missing.

One person told ABC7 off camera that his brother, who was home during the time of the fire, had burns on his leg and back. He says the rest of the family was away in Mexico.

Two firefighters were taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion and have since been released.

Officials confirmed one person was taken to the hospital with minor burns.

A Blue Island spokesperson said the person under investigation is currently being treated at Loyola University Medical center for burn injuries. They have not said if they are the same person who was found hurt at the scene.

It is not clear how the fire started.

Authorities are investigating.