HILLCREST — A garage and a vehicle were damaged on Christmas night after garbage next to the home in Hillcrest reportedly caught fire and spread to the siding of the garage.

According to Rochelle Fire Chief Dave Sawlsville a call came into the department at approximately 8:06 p.m. of a fire at 217 Windover Park Drive.

"Originally, the call was a car fire, but actually it seems something put into the garbage started on fire and then it climbed up the outside of the garage," Sawlsville said. "The owner was home and was alerted when he heard some popping noises."

Sawlsville said the fire damage was pretty much contained to the garage, although there was some smoke damage throughout the home.

"The fire wanted to get into the attic and spread through the vent, but we were able to cut a hole in the roof and vent it upward instead of toward the rest of the home," he explained.

No major injuries were reported, but the home owner was being evaluated for smoke inhalation.