The Illinois State Fire Marshal is assisting in an investigation after a person was found dead in an apartment building fire in Woodstock Wednesday afternoon.
The Woodstock Police Department and Woodstock Fire Rescue District responded around 1:43 p.m. Wednesday to the 500 block of McHenry Avenue in Woodstock for a report of a structure fire.
Alex Vucha, a spokesperson for the Woodstock Fire Rescue District, said dispatchers received 911 calls of flames and smoke coming from one of the apartments.
Firefighters arrived within three minutes of the call and confirmed smoke was coming from the first floor of the apartment complex.
Firefighters established a water supply at a nearby hydrant while engaging in an offensive fire attack on the first-floor apartment unit, Vucha said.
Police officers assisted with evacuating residents from the entire complex.
Heavy smoke conditions were reported inside the unit. The fire was considered under control within 10 minutes.
Fire and smoke damage were contained to the single unit on the first floor, Vucha said.
A deceased victim was located inside the fire-damaged unit. The identification of the victim is being withheld pending family notifications.
Firefighters ventilated the entire building of smoke before allowing residents to return to their apartments.
Vucha said that a preliminary investigation indicates the fire began in the living room. The fire is not considered suspicious in nature.
Initial damage estimates are approximately $100,000.
The Woodstock Fire Rescue District, Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Woodstock Police Department are conducting a full investigation.