A driver and workers escaped after an SUV crashed into an industrial building, catching the vehicle and the structure on fire, which was fueled by a natural gas leak, in Lakemoor Tuesday afternoon.
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District responded around 2:40 p.m. Tuesday to 431 Scotland Road in Lakemoor for a report of a vehicle crash with injuries.
McHenry Township Fire Protection District Battalion Chief David Harwood said it was reported that a vehicle had crashed into the building.
Firefighters arrived on the scene within four minutes to find a vehicle had crashed into a gas meter and then through a brick wall of the business.
The vehicle was on fire and spreading to the large industrial-style building, which has several different businesses inside, Harwood said.
The response was upgraded to a structure fire and then to a working fire response to have additional personnel respond.
The building is located in an area that does not have any fire hydrants in the immediate area.
Nicor Gas was also requested to the scene as the gas meter that was struck was actively leaking.
Firefighters deployed two hose lines to protect the building while working to keep the gas-fed fire in check, Harwood said.
Firefighters also searched for the driver of the vehicle and the building for occupants.
Harwood said no one was inside the building or vehicle and everyone was accounted for. No injuries were reported.
The driver of the vehicle was evaluated by paramedics and signed a medical release.
A tow truck, which was already at the scene, pulled the burning vehicle away from the building so that firefighters could access the gas shut-off valve.
The gas was shut off and the fire was brought under control at approximately 3:06 p.m., Harwood said.
The Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox Lake, Nunda Rural, Richmond, Round Lake, Spring Grove, Wauconda, Wonder Lake and Woodstock fire departments assisted at the scene or covered calls for McHenry.
The Lakemoor Police Department and McHenry fire investigators were at the scene to investigate the incident. A damage estimate was not immediately available.