A fire in a two-story home in the 800 block of Bucklin Street sent La Salle firefighters scrambling at midday Friday, and soon required help from at least six more companies.

No injuries were reported as the firefighting effort slipped into its third hour around 2 p.m. A woman, her son and her dog evacuated safely from the residence. The family then took refuge in a neighbor’s residence and could not be approached for comment.

La Salle Fire Chief Jerry Janick had earlier reported firefighters seemed to have nearly extinguished the blaze after the first hour; but a flare-up occurred and most of the roof caved in as smoke continued emanating from the structure.

Janick said firefighters were impeded further by sub-freezing temperatures that froze up hydrants and created water flow issues of every stripe.

“We’re battling the elements now,” Janick reported at 2 p.m., when the mercury stood at just 2 degrees.

Firefighters from the Peru, Oglesby and Utica , Ottawa, Tonica, Troy Grove and Spring Valley fire departments responded to the scene. The Peru Fire Department provided an aerial truck to help firefighters reach the roof.

Bucklin Street remained closed between Eighth and Ninth Streets.

This is a developing story and will be updated.