A dozen fire departments responded to extinguish a large barn that burned to the ground near Harvard Sunday morning. Over $1 million in damage was reported.
The Harvard Fire Protection District responded around 5 a.m. Sunday to the 19300 block of Hebron Road in unincorporated Harvard for a report of a barn fire.
Firefighters arrived to find a large storage barn approximately 50 feet by 200 feet with the entire structure fully engulfed in flames.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the third alarm level to bring additional manpower as well as water to the scene.
Fire officials said an aggressive attack was initiated to protect nearby buildings and a propane tank.
There were no injuries reported in the fire and no animals occupied the barn. The fire was confined to the building of origin.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal was called to the scene to assist in the investigation.
Investigators believe the estimated loss is around $1.25 million, fire officials said.
Firefighters from the Woodstock, Marengo, Union, Wonder Lake, Huntley, McHenry, Richmond, Hebron, Walworth, Sharon and Lynn Township fire departments assisted at the scene.
The Salvation Army Canteen, McHenry County Rehab Canteen and the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office also assisted.
The Harvard Fire Protection District said they encourage residents to use caution when storing fuels and chemicals in their garages and storage buildings.