No injuries were reported and the cause remains unknown following a barn fire in unincorporated Woodstock Tuesday afternoon, Woodstock fire officials said.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District was dispatched to the 4100 block of Dean Street of unincorporated Woodstock for a reported structure fire at 11:32 a.m. Tuesday, Woodstock Fire/Rescue Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said.
While en route, fire crews were notified that two children on the property were initially unaccounted for, Vucha said.
The incident was upgraded to a Working Structure Fire, prompting the response of additional resources.
Firefighters arrived in less than six minutes and encountered a farm-style property with heavy smoke coming from a 35-by-40-foot barn at the rear of the lot, Vucha said.
Upon arrival, crews were informed that both children had been located and were unharmed.
Firefighters quickly deployed hose lines and began fire suppression while simultaneously establishing rural water operations at the roadway due to a lack of fire hydrants in the area, Vucha said. In addition, water tenders shuttled water to the scene to help put out the blaze.
The coordinated response brought the main body of fire under control within 20 minutes, Vucha said.
Vucha said firefighters remained on scene for an additional two hours to extinguish remaining hot spots and ensure scene safety.
Fire investigators concluded their on-scene work at approximately 2:00 p.m., Vucha said.
The barn, which was used for woodworking, did not house any animals or livestock and no injuries were reported, Vucha said.
The barn and its contents are considered a total loss.
The fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature, but the cause remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, Vucha said.
Assisting agencies included the Hebron Alden Greenwood Fire Protection District, Huntley Fire Protection District, Marengo Fire and Rescue District, McHenry Township Fire Protection District, Union Fire Protection District, Wonder Lake Fire Protection District, and the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District appreciates the assistance of all responding partners.