Over a dozen fire departments respond to the 19100 block of Crowley Road in unincorporated Harvard late Sunday evening into early Monday morning to battle a barn fire that left six horses dead. | Photo: HFPD

Investigators have ruled the cause of a fire as undetermined after it fully engulfed a barn and killed six horses near Harvard last weekend, fire officials said Friday.

The Harvard Fire Protection District responded around 11:58 p.m. Sunday to the 19100 block of Crowley Road in unincorporated Harvard for a report of a structure fire.

Harvard Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said initial 911 callers reported a fully involved barn with animals possibly inside.

Firefighters arrived within 10 minutes and found heavy fire coming from a 50-by-60-foot pole barn.

Over a dozen fire departments respond to the 19100 block of Crowley Road in unincorporated Harvard late Sunday evening into early Monday morning to battle a barn fire that left six horses dead. | Photo: HFPD

The fire was extending toward a second, much larger barn nearby.

Vucha said the incident was upgraded to the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) to the second alarm level due to the rural setting, visible fire conditions and limited access to water.

The upgrade brought in additional water supplies and manpower from neighboring fire departments.

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Crews deployed multiple hose lines to bring the fire under control while also establishing rural water operations at the roadway using water tenders and portable tanks.

Over a dozen fire departments respond to the 19100 block of Crowley Road in unincorporated Harvard late Sunday evening into early Monday morning to battle a barn fire that left six horses dead. | Photo: HFPD

Additional fire personnel worked on protecting the nearby barn and preventing further spread, Vucha said.

The main body of fire was brought under control within approximately 60 minutes.

Firefighters remained at the scene for several hours extinguishing hot spots and assisting with the investigation.

Six horses were inside the barn and died. No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.

Over a dozen fire departments respond to the 19100 block of Crowley Road in unincorporated Harvard late Sunday evening into early Monday morning to battle a barn fire that left six horses dead. | Photo: HFPD

More than a dozen neighboring fire departments responded to assist with the incident. “Their support underscores the effectiveness and importance of the mutual aid system in managing large-scale rural incidents,” Vucha said.

The barn and its contents were considered a complete loss.

Vucha told Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Friday that the on-scene portion of the investigation has been completed.

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Over a dozen fire departments respond to the 19100 block of Crowley Road in unincorporated Harvard late Sunday evening into early Monday morning to battle a barn fire that left six horses dead. | Photo: HFPD

Investigators ruled the cause as undetermined. The cause could change if investigators receive any new evidence or information that becomes available.

Damage estimates are still being evaluated. “[…] we recognize that it is incredibly difficult to place a dollar amount on the loss of life,” Vucha said.

“In this case, the estimated value of the horses is expected to exceed the cost of the structural and content-related damages. Our thoughts remain with the property owners following this tragic loss,” he added.