Over 50 chickens are dead after a fire that left a barn fully engulfed in flames and two vehicles and a house damaged near Harvard early Saturday morning.
The Harvard Fire Protection District responded around 5:29 a.m. Saturday to the 4700 block of Lindwall Road in unincorporated Harvard for a report of a structure fire.
The homeowner reported that an outbuilding was on fire near the house and that several vehicles were also involved, according to Harvard Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha.
Firefighters arrived and located a barn, approximately 30 by 45 feet in size, fully engulfed in flames and already collapsing.
Two vehicles were burning and the fire had begun spreading to the house, Vucha said.
The incident was upgraded to a working structure fire response and additional personnel and water resources were called.
The fire was brought under control within 25 minutes and fire crews remained on the scene for approximately two additional hours.
They conducted overhaul operations on the house to check for any fire extension into the attic, as well as to extinguish hot spots in the debris of the barn.
The house sustained minor damage but will remain habitable, Vucha said.
The family exited the house prior to firefighters arriving and were unharmed.
50 to 60 chickens were believed to have been inside the barn and all are believed to have died in the fire.
Vucha said that the fire is not believed to be suspicious and the exact cause remains under investigation by the Harvard Fire Protection District.
“As a general reminder, residents are encouraged to routinely inspect any heating or electrical equipment used in sheds or outbuildings to ensure it is properly rated for the space, kept clear of combustibles, and in good working condition,” Vucha said.
The Harvard Fire Protection District was assisted by Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District, Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts, Wonder Lake Fire Protection District, Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, Northwest Rescue, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and NERCOM dispatch.