DeKALB | At 10:42 a.m. Sunday, the DeKalb Fire Department responded to a house fire at 623 S. Second St. Firefighters tried to enter the building but discovered a heavy fire in the basement. Multiple hose lines were order to contain the fire. The water department was contacted to boost the water pressure to aid the firefighters.

It took almost two hours before the fire was declared under control. The DFD said the operation was hampered by the long distance to a fire hydrant.

Engines from Sycamore, Cortland, Waterman, Maple Park and Genoa-Kingston responded to the fire.

The house, owned by Willard E. Draper, was a total loss, and there is no immediate estimate to the damages. There were no injuries to occupants or fire fighters.

The DFD and the investigator from the Office of the State Fire Marshall said the fire appeared to have started in the basement, and its origins are undetermined and under investigation.