Over a dozen fire departments were called to help extinguish an auto body shop fire in sub-zero temperatures in Lake Villa early Wednesday morning.
The Antioch Fire Department and Lake Villa Police Department responded around 3:11 a.m. Wednesday to Mr. J’s Motors, 1671 North Milwaukee Avenue in Lake Villa, for a report of a structure fire.
Lake Villa Police Department Lt. James DeCaro said crews arrived to find a working fire inside the building, which is located just south of Grass Lake Road.
The building was a car dealership and auto body shop, DeCaro said.
The Antioch Fire Department activated the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) for additional assistance from surrounding fire departments.
The alarm eventually went up to a fifth alarm, bringing in fire departments from Lake County, McHenry County, and Wisconsin to the scene.
DeCaro said the incident was still ongoing and active around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Road closures were put into place on Route 83 between Town Line Road and Grass Lake Road.
Crews are expected to be on the scene until Wednesday afternoon conducting overhaul work.
DeCaro said the police and fire departments are working together in a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
“No further information is available at this time as we are in the early stages,” DeCaro said.
It is unknown if any injuries were reported.
The Antioch Fire Department is expected to release information later on Wednesday.