Fire officials said Monday that an investigation continues into what caused a house explosion and fire that left a man in critical condition near Cary Sunday afternoon.
The Cary Fire Protection District and McHenry County Sheriff’s Office responded around 1:32 p.m. Sunday to the 6700 block of Pheasant Trail in unincorporated Cary for a report of a structure fire and explosion.
Cary Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said firefighters arrived and found a small single-family residence with visible signs of an explosion.
Doors and windows had been blown off the front and rear of the home and smoke was coming from multiple areas of the home.
A male adult, who was the sole occupant of the residence, was found injured on the ground outside the home, Vucha said.
He was suffering from significant burn injuries suffered during the explosion, which possibly involved natural gas.
The incident was upgraded to a working structure fire, prompting the response of additional personnel, water tenders and other resources.
Vucha said a medical helicopter was requested to respond due to the severity of the victim’s injuries but no helicopters were available in the region.
The man was transported in critical condition by ground ambulance to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.
No one else was located inside the residence.
The fire was declared under control at 2:12 p.m. and extensive overhaul operations were needed due to the heavy fire damage throughout the home.
The house and its contents are considered a total loss due to the extensive fire and structural damage.
No damage was reported to nearby homes, Vucha said.
The Barrington Fire Department, Barrington Countryside Fire Protection District, Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department, Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District, Fox River Grove Fire Protection District and McHenry Township Fire Protection District assisted.
Nicor Gas, ComEd and the McHenry County Building Department also responded to the scene.
Vucha said in an update Monday that the investigation into what caused the explosion and fire remains ongoing by the Cary Fire Protection District, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and Nicor.
“Authorities are continuing to assess the details and conditions surrounding the incident and are closely examining the events that led up to it,” Vucha said.
“The fire was isolated to a single residence, and there is no threat to surrounding homes or the general public,” he added.
Vucha said further updates on the male resident’s condition were not available.
“I’m thankful no additional injuries occurred during this incident,” Cary Fire Chief Brad Delatorre said.
“Our firefighters entered a hazardous scene without knowing what caused the explosion, but they were determined to contain the fire and render aid to the occupant who had sustained pretty serious burns. Their quick actions, along with help from our neighboring departments, brought the situation under control safely,” Delatorre said.