Officials on Wednesday marked the year anniversary of an explosion and fire that damaged 20 buildings, displaced 22 residents and critically injured two dogs in Woodstock.
The incident began around 12:30 p.m. on October 9, 2023, when a gas leak was reported by a city employee in the area of Tryon Street and Lincoln Avenue in Woodstock.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and Woodstock Police Department were notified.
Nicor Gas was called out and arrived on the scene approximately 30 minutes later.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said at the time that it was determined a contract crew working in the area had stuck a two-inch gas main inside a sewer line.
Tryon Street was shut down from Judd Street to Washington Street. Lincoln Avenue was shut down at Dacy Street.
Residents and businesses in the immediate area were notified. St. Mary Church and School across the street from the scene was evacuated.
While fire crews were standing by at the scene for Nicor to fix the leak, an explosion occurred on Lincoln Avenue and a fire broke out.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the second alarm level and later upgraded to the fourth alarm level. Over 20 fire departments responded to the call.
A two-story house was completely destroyed by the explosion and a second adjacent house sustained significant damage from the fire in the 200 block of Lincoln Avenue, officials said.
The damaged homes are located directly across the street from St. Mary Church and School.
Vucha said a total of 20 structures sustained varying degrees of damage.
Two homes and a detached garage were a complete loss, Vucha said. Two additional homes were structurally uninhabitable.
A total of 22 individuals were displaced with many seeking assistance from the American Red Cross. Two family dogs were critically injured.
Two firefighters were transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, Vucha said. No fatalities were reported.
City officials said the gas leak was contained around 3:30 p.m. after Nicor Gas shut off the gas to the area.
“These are events we train and prepare for but hope we never encounter. Again, the District greatly appreciates the assistance from the countless agencies that took part in the incident,” Vucha said.
“Weโre on the square working and it shook the entire building and knocked stuff down. Felt like the windows were going to break. Absolutely insane. I smelled gas around 10 am this morning,” one person told Lake and McHenry County Scanner last year.
Firefighters were on the scene for almost 24 hours. They worked throughout the night extinguishing residual hot spots and hidden fires.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District said in a statement on Wednesday โ the one-year anniversary of the event โ that the explosion was “devastating” and shook the community.
“It is nothing short of remarkable, that despite the magnitude of destruction, there were no fatalities,” the district said.
Fire officials said they extend their gratitude to the countless first responders, public safety personnel and mutual aid partners who came together.
“From fire suppression to medical care, law enforcement to disaster recovery, the coordinated efforts of so many individuals and resources demonstrated the unity and care that define Woodstock and its neighboring communities. As we reflect on that day, we remain steadfast in our commitment to strengthening these partnerships and prioritizing safety and preparedness for the future,” the fire district said.