Garage Fire Causes Major Damage in Polo

POLO — A Sunday afternoon fire destroyed a garage and caused heavy smoke damage to a home in the 100 block of Cherry Avenue, according to the Polo Fire Department. Crews were called around 2:30 p.m. and found flames shooting from the attached garage, which was deemed a total loss. The home sustained smoke and minor water damage, leaving it uninhabitable, though the residents and their pets escaped safely. Damage was estimated at $150,000. Two firefighters, one from Polo and one from Forreston, suffered minor injuries and were transported for treatment. A second alarm was called due to hot conditions, bringing help from Dixon City, Milledgeville, Lanark, Sterling, Mount Morris, Oregon, and others. Crews remained on scene for about three hours. The cause of the fire is under investigation.