Six members of three families are without a home after a fire broke out June 30 in the attic of a two-story residence in the 1200 block of Lombard Avenue.

Firefighters responded to the blaze at about 4 a.m., according to Fire Chief Denis O’Halloran. By the time fire crews arrived, flames were bursting through attic windows and had melted windows on neighboring homes.

“When they first arrived, the initial police reports were that there was possibly one occupant trapped in the attic,” Assistant Fire Chief Frank Simek said.

Fire crews split in two, with the first team immediately searching the attic. The other crews worked to protect neighboring homes from further damage. Shortly after, crews learned the resident had been found and was safe.

About 30 firefighters battled the fire for just more than two hours. The fire was extinguished just after 6 a.m. Crews from Cicero, Forest Park and North Riverside also assisted in the fire.

“They did a very nice job. For the amount of fire they had, they knocked it down very quickly,” Simek said. “Especially for having performed a search at the beginning.”

Although the fire still is under investigation, Simek said investigators are paying close attention to an extension cord that was plugged into an air conditioner in the attic apartment, where the fire started.

Simek said the home sustained about $40,000 in smoke, fire and water damage. Fire crews were able to contain the fire to attic, but the first floor did sustain heavy water damage as firefighters worked to prevent the fire from spreading.

Although it is not a complete loss, the home is not habitable until it is repaired, according to fire officials. The home had three families living in three apartments. All six people are currently with family, according to fire officials.

No one was injured in the blaze, and damage to the neighboring homes was limited to the melted windows.