Three residents were left homeless, including one who suffered smoke inhalation, after a fire left their house fully engulfed in flames near Woodstock Sunday afternoon.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded around 3:06 p.m. Sunday to the 12100 block of Baker Terrace in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of a structure fire.
Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said sheriff’s deputies arrived first and found flames and smoke from the residence.
Firefighters arrived within minutes and confirmed heavy fire and smoke coming from a one-story home.
Fire conditions were continuing to intensify and the home was eventually fully engulfed.
The incident was upgraded to a Working Fire response, prompting additional resources to respond, due to heavy fire conditions and the rural location of the property, Vucha said.
The incident was soon upgraded again through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) to assist with water supply operations and manpower.
Firefighters deployed multiple hose lines and operated from the outside in a defensive manner as conditions deteriorated, Vucha said.
Firefighters worked for approximately 90 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
Vucha said the fire ultimately consumed the structure and much of its contents.
Overhaul operations continued for an extended period of time to address remaining hot spots and ensure complete extinguishment.
An adult female resident was evaluated at the scene by paramedics for smoke inhalation but declined transport to the hospital, Vucha said.
Three occupants resided in the home and are receiving alternative living arrangement assistance as a result of the fire. No firefighter injuries were reported.
“The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District appreciates the assistance of the responding agencies, those who provided station coverage during the incident, and our dispatchers who coordinated the response,” the district said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District with assistance from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal.