3-Alarm fire in McHenry, 11/11/15

Few photos I captured during the McHenry Township 3rd Alarm on Tender Box 5-1274 on November 11, 2015. A lightning strike caused a full-blown house fire that completely destroyed the home. – Thanks, Tyler Tobolt.

Tyler Tobolt photo

Tyler Tobolt photo

Tyler Tobolt photo

A lightning strike may have sparked a fire that destroyed a home in McHenry, but firefighters faced tough conditions that kept them on the scene until nearly 12:30 a.m. on Thursday. McHenry Township Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Mike Majercik explained that crews had to bring in water tankers because the area lacks fire hydrants. High winds also made it difficult to control the blaze. “The wind and lack of water really let the fire get ahead of us,” said Majercik. The fire was reported around 8:45 p.m., and by 10 p.m., flames were still visible. Lt. Mike Kempster noted that lingering flames came from an unshut gas line. Nicor arrived at 10:30 p.m., and the fire was under control within 90 minutes. Winds reached up to 35 mph when the fire started, and by the time firefighters left, they were nearing 40 mph. The house was completely destroyed, with estimated damages reaching $450,000. While the cause hasn’t been officially confirmed, Majercik said the homeowners heard a loud noise on the roof before the fire started, and a neighbor later reported the roof was on fire.