Two miniature ponies and multiple chickens died after a fire fully engulfed and destroyed a barn, causing $150,000 in damage, near Wauconda Friday afternoon.
The Wauconda Fire District responded around 2:15 p.m. Friday to the 27000 block of West May Street in unincorporated Wauconda for a report of a structure fire.
Wauconda Fire District Battalion Chief Adam Schlick said fire crews responding spotted a large column of smoke from Route 176.
Firefighters arrived and found heavy flames coming from a barn located approximately 400 feet from the roadway.
The barn was only 15 feet away from a nearby residence, placing it at risk, Schlick said.
Fire crews quickly deployed hose lines and were able to get water on the fire in less than three minutes from arrival.
The fire occurred in an area that does not have fire hydrants and firefighters established a rural water supply using water tenders.
Schlick said a site to dump water was established at the intersection of May Street and Mack Drive to provide the water supply for crews operating at the scene.
A total of 15,000 gallons of water was used to extinguish the fire.
The fire was brought under control in approximately 40 minutes and firefighters prevented the fire from extending to the nearby home.
No firefighters or civilians were injured. Two miniature ponies and multiple chickens were found dead inside the barn and adjacent to it, Schlick said.
The barn was determined to be a total loss with estimated damage of approximately $150,000.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation but investigators do not believe the fire to be suspicious in nature.
The Wauconda Fire District was assisted at the scene by the Lake Zurich, Barrington, Round Lake, Countryside, McHenry Township, Fox Lake, Nunda Rural and Grayslake fire departments.
The Buffalo Grove and Crystal Lake fire departments provided station coverage for the Wauconda Fire District.