A fire and subsequent explosion left a house in Crystal Lake heavily damaged and sent smoke billowing into the sky Sunday evening, fire officials said.
The Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department responded around 5:25 p.m. Sunday to the 1300 block of Boxwood Lane in Crystal Lake for a report of a structure fire.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within four minutes and found heavy fire conditions in the attached garage of a two-story, single-family home, according to Crystal Lake Fire Chief Paul DeRaedt.
A request for additional fire departments was made through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).
The occupants, who were home at the time of the fire, escaped without injury after the smoke detectors activated.
The fire caused the second floor above the garage to collapse, DeRaedt said. The fire had spread into the attic area of the remainder of the home.
Firefighters fought the fire from the exterior of the structure because it was not safe to enter the structure due to the collapse conditions, DeRaedt said.
A report of an explosion occurred early in the fire and was later determined to be a 20-pound propane tank for a grill that had ruptured.
DeRaedt said that gusting wind conditions contributed to the spread of the fire, causing extensive damage to the garage and second floor.
The fire was declared under control at 6:36 p.m. The remainder of the structure sustained heat, smoke and water damage.
The structure has been deemed uninhabitable until repairs can be made, DeRaedt said.
Damage to the structure and contents is estimated at $225,000.
There were no injuries to any firefighters or residents. The American Red Cross is assisting the occupants of the home.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department, Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District and Crystal Lake Police Department.