Six dogs are feared to be dead and four others were rescued after an extra-alarm fire fully engulfed a large house near Woodstock Friday morning, fire officials said.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded around 7:51 a.m. Friday to the 200 block of South Queen Anne Road in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of a structure fire.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said several 911 callers reported heavy black smoke in the area, possibly from a building on fire.
Firefighters arrived within six minutes to find a large, two-story home fully involved with heavy smoke and flames. Portions of the structure had already collapsed.
The incident was quickly upgraded to a working fire and then elevated again through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) to the second level, Vucha said.
Firefighters at the scene needed additional manpower and water supply support as the rural area lacks fire hydrants.
Rural water operations were established along the roadway. The residence was located approximately 900 feet from the street.
Multiple hose lines were deployed and a ladder truck was used to flow water from above, Vucha said.
Fire officials learned that no one was inside the home. Firefighters rescued four dogs through a basement door.
The dogs had inhaled a significant amount of smoke and sustained minor burns but are reportedly in good health.
Six additional dogs, believed to have been on the upper levels of the home, remain unaccounted, Vucha said.
The fire was brought under control within 90 minutes. Hot spots and flare-ups are expected to continue possibly for days.
Vucha said the home and its contents are considered a complete loss. Damage estimates are still being evaluated.
Representatives from the American Red Cross responded to the scene and are working to provide assistance to the homeowners who have been displaced.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District with the assistance of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.
An estimated 15 fire departments assisted either at the scene or by covering Woodstock fire stations. The Salvation Army Canteen also responded.
“We also thank our dispatchers for their role in coordinating resources and communications during the incident,” Vucha said, adding, “We appreciated everyone’s assistance during a very busy morning throughout Woodstock.”
Firefighters left the scene around 12 p.m., over four hours after the fire began.