An SUV slammed into a fire station in downtown Wauconda early Tuesday morning, causing $100,000 in damage as firefighters slept inside, just a day after a fire station in Round Lake was hit by a car.
The incident happened just after midnight early Tuesday morning at Wauconda Fire District Station #1, located at 109 West Liberty Street in Wauconda.
Wauconda Fire Marshal and Division Chief Mike DaValle said a vehicle was traveling northbound on Route 59 when it left the roadway.
The SUV crossed the grassy area, traversed Route 176 and struck the front of the fire station.
The impact occurred in the administrative office area of the building, DaValle said.
Fire district personnel were sleeping in other areas of the station at the time of the crash and were not near the point of impact.
No firefighters or occupants of the vehicle were injured.
DaValle said the crash did not damage any fire apparatus or ambulances and emergency response capabilities remain unaffected.
The building sustained extensive damage and initial estimates show repair costs will be approximately $100,000.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Wauconda Police Department, DaValle said.
The incident occurred just a day after an SUV struck a Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District station.
The Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District said it responded to an “unusual incident” at Fire Station 1, located at 409 West Nippersink Road in Round Lake, just before 6:30 a.m. Monday.
An orange KIA SUV left the roadway and struck decorative planters in front of the fire station.
The car continued traveling and collided into the front of the fire station.
Fire officials said it was fortunate that no firefighters or civilians were injured in the collision.
The building sustained minor damage and station operations remain unaffected.
“Please remember to drive safely and stay alert while traveling through our communities. Thankfully no injuries were reported, and Station 1 remains fully operational,” the fire district said.
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the Round Lake Police Department.