McHenry County Blog

A press release from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District:

625 South Hubbard Street, Algonquin, IL Residential Fire

At 1:29 a.m., June 3rd, 2013 the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District responded to 625 South Hubbard Street in Algonquin for a structure fire.

Dispatch was notified by the resident who discovered smoke in the wall of his home.

Upon arrival at 1:33 a.m. crews found a single story ranch with smoke showing from the roof, near the chimney and the peak.

Fire crews initiated an investigation and attack.

Crews found fire in an inside wall.

Once extinguished, the crews also had to cut a hole in the home’s roof to let accumulating smoke out of the attic space.

Fire Crews remained on the scene until after 3:00 a.m. investigating the fire and securing the home.

Another press release from Crystal Lake Fire Department Battalion Commander Jerry Larsen:

Structure Fire 3200 Block of Carrington Dr, Crystal Lake, IL

On May l, 2013, at 3:30pm the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department was dispatched for a structure fire in the 3200 block of Can’iugton DI, Crystal Lake, Illinois.

The home 0f origin located at 3217 Carrington was a total loss.

The exposure homes addresses and damage sustained are:

• 3222 Carrington has fire damage to the cedar shake roof which extended into the attic. The interior suffered smoke and water damage and the house is not habitable.
• 3306 Carrington has damage to the cedar shake roof and some interior smoke damage. The house is  habitable.
• 3216 Carrington has damage to the cedar shake roof and some interior Smoke damage. The house is habitable.
• 3217 E. Terra Cotta Ave received minor damage to the rear deck and siding. The house is habitable.

A fire crew remains on the scene at 3217 Carrington to continue extinguishing hot spots.

The McHenry County Department of Planning and Development is working with the homeowners to make repairs.

The American Red Cross is working with all the families affected by the ñres.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department, McHenry County Sheriffs Department, and the Illinois Office ofthe State Fire Marshal.

A press release, issued last night at 10:30, from Crystal Lake Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry Larsen:

“On May l, 2013, at 3:30pm the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department was dispatched for a structure ñre in the 3200 block of Carrington Dr, Crystal Lake, Illinois.

“Crystal Lake firefighters arrived on the scene and found a well involved house tire.

“Crews started protecting exposures and four additional homes have received damage. Three ñre fighters received minor injuries, were transported to a local hospital,l and all have been released.

“The fires to the four homes that received damage have been extinguished.

“Crews remain on the scene for the home of origin t0 continue extinguishing hot spots.

“The cause of the remains under investigation by the Illinois Ofñee of the State Fire Marshal, McHenry County Sheriffs Department, and Crystal Lake Fire Rescue”.

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You can see the WGN-TV coverage here.

A press release from the Crystal Lake Police Department:

Death Investigation at the Scene of a Fire Within a Residence

On April 14, 2013 at 7:33 AM, Crystal Lake Police were dispatched to a residence in the 1700 block of Moorland Lane in Crystal Lake where a Deputy of the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department had discovered suspicious circumstances.

Upon arrival officers outside the home observed a subject lying on the floor of a room inside, and smoke inside the house. Crystal Lake Fire Rescue was dispatched to the scene.

Officers made entry to the home with attempts to extract the subject, however heat and dense smoke prevented the officers from reaching the area the subject had been observed.

As Fire Rescue arrived, firefighters entered and removed the subject, the sole occupant of the home, and attempted to revive him.

A fire found in the basement of the home was quickly extinguished by the entering firefighters.

The subject was transported to Centegra Hospital in Woodstock, where he was pronounced deceased.

No other persons suffered injuries as a result of this incident.

This matter remains under investigation by the Crystal Lake Police Department, Crystal Lake Fire Rescue, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Investigators of the Illinois State Fire Marshall’s Office and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office.

Identity of the deceased is known, but is being withheld pending proper notification of family.

No further information will be released this date, as the investigation continues.

When I heard that Illinois fire departments were helping put out the fire in Burlington, Wisconsin, I figured some would be from our area.  (Here’s the Chicago Tribune article.)

Burlington is one of the places where my father used to get his newspaper, The Star Reporter, printed.  I made the trip a couple of times.

I reached out to some local fire protection districts to find out local involvement.

It turns out that seven McHenry County departments provided assistance.

Richmond’s Chief Rick Gallas was kind enough to provide the details:

“MABAS Division 5 responded to an inter divisional task force request made by MABAS DIVISION 102 for a Tender Strike Team.

“We were alerted at 4:50 am this morning.

“Richmond sent a Chief as the strike team leader, Harvard sent a Battalion Chief, and water tenders were sent by

• McHenry
• Huntley
• Woodstock
• Cary 
• Marengo

“Our strike team was put to work as “A” Division water supply at 6:30 AM.

A WMAQ-TV aerial view of some of the fire equipment marshaled to fight the Burlington, Wisconsin, fire at Echo Lake Farms Produce Company.

“Our strike team was demobilized approximately at 10:15 AM.

“I was back in Richmond by 11:00 AM.”

A press release from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District:

5 Filip Road, Algonquin, IL Residential Fire

On Saturday, September 29, 2012 at approximately 6:31 p.m. the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection was dispatched for a structure fire at 5 Filip Road in Algonquin. Dispatch was notified by a passerby that smoke and flames were visible..

First arriving crews were on the scene 6:36 p.m., and found a single family home that had heavy flames and smoke pouring out. The fire was already through the roof when crews arrived. Fire crews initiated an aggressive interior attack but changed to a defensive one when it became apparent that the roof would collapse. Crews remained on the scene until after 9:30 p.m. investigating the fire and securing the home.

Investigators on the scene have not yet determined the cause of the fire. A damage amount is not yet available.

The residents were not home at the time of the fire. Two house cats were found safe at the scene and turned over to the residents when they arrived back home.

No civilian or fire department injuries were reported.

The Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District received assistance from Carpentersville, Huntley, Crystal Lake, Barrington and Cary Fire Departments. McHenry County Animal Control also assisted at the scene.

The Algonquin Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District would like to remind residents that October is fire safety month. Test smoke alarms monthly, and replace the batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.

A press release from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department:

Sheriff’s Office Makes Arrests in Barn Fires Investigation

Sheriff Keith Nygren announced today the arrest of two 17 year old males responsible for multiple fires in the rural McHenry County area.

Since May 29, 2012, the Sheriff’s Office has experienced six fires in rural Woodstock, Marengo and Harvard involving hay barns. In addition to the fires in McHenry County, Kane and Boone Counties and Lakewood have also experienced barn fires in their respective jurisdictions.

An anonymous tip from the public resulted in the identification of two suspects.

The two males were interviewed on Friday, August 10, 2012 and admitted to their involvement with the fires along with multiple criminal acts within the City of Crystal Lake.

The fires covered a span of over sixty days and over an estimated one million dollars in property damage.

The two suspects have been charged as adults for

• arson
• criminal damage to propert
• criminal trespass to property

for five fires.

The investigation is continuing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

Along with the Sheriff’s Office,

• Crystal Lake PD
• McHenry County Conservation Police
• Huntley PD
• Algonquin PD
• Cary PD
• Crystal Lake Fire
• Woodstock Fire
• Algonquin Fire
• Marengo Fire
• Huntley Fire
• SEECOM
• ATF,and
• the Illinois State Fire Marshall

assisted in the investigation.

Following is a list of the fires the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has linked to the 17 year olds:

• 13900 Block of Harmony Rd., Marengo (sic) Date of Fire: 06/29/2012 10:36 P.M.
• 13900 Block of Pleasant Valley Rd., Woodstock Date of Fire: 07/10/2012 10:06 P.M.
• 11800 Block of Pleasant Valley, Rd., Lakewood Date of Fire: 07/03/2012 9:59 P.M.
• 2500 Block of River Rd., Marengo Date of Fire: 07/23/2012 11:25 A.M.
• 9800 Block of Lucas Rd., Crystal Lake Date of Fire: 07/24/2012 9:20 P.M.

Arrested: Charges:
Joseph Gerdes, 17 years old Arson (Class 2)
868 Coventry Criminal Damage to Property (Class 3)
Crystal Lake, IL Criminal Trespass to Property (Class A)

Andrew Wiegand, 17 years old Arson (Class 2)
1472 Bridgedale Rd Criminal Damage to Property (Class 3)
Crystal Lake, IL Criminal Trespass to Property (Class A)

The charges against the above named defendants are merely allegations against him. The above named defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

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The Crystal Lake Police Department adds this information:
“On August 11, 2012, Crystal Lake Police were notified by McHenry County Sheriff’s of two juvenile subjects that were in custody for a series of barn fires surrounding the McHenry County area, including a barn fire on Lucas Road that was within the Crystal Lake City limits.

“Working in conjunction with the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, Crystal Lake Police were able to establish that the same two subjects were also responsible for setting fire to

• a couch that was left out for trash removal on the parkway in the 1300 block of Loch Lomond Drive and
• a mattress set on fire that was also left out on the parkway in the 1400 block of Candlewood Drive.

“Both fires occurred during the evening hours of June 12, 2012.

“Additionally, Crystal Lake Police also were able to link the two subjects to five separate acts of Tampering with a Fire Hydrant (Class B Misdemeanors) on Bedford Drive and Sutherland Drive where five fire hydrants were opened, all within residential neighborhoods. These incidents occurred on June 26, 2012, during the evening hours.

“Crystal Lake Police will review these additional findings with the McHenry County State’s Attorney Office regarding criminal charges.

“Both male juveniles are residents of Crystal Lake.”

A press release from the Crystal Lake Police Department about cars being set on fire in the subdivision just north of Hannah Beardsley Middle School:

Fire Investigations: Primrose Lane and Talcott Drive

On Monday, August 6th, 2012 at approximately 5:00am Crystal Lake Police and Fire responded to a report of a car fire in the 0-100 block of Talcott Drive.

Upon arrival, officers observed a Chevrolet SUV, parked in the driveway immediately adjacent to the single-family home, fully engulfed in flames.

A boat parked next to the SUV also was on fire.

Officers immediately evacuated the residents.

Crystal Lake Fire personnel extinguished the fire.

The SUV and boat were destroyed by the fire.

The home and a Chevrolet truck parked nearby sustained some damage due to the heat of the fire.

While on the scene of the Talcott Drive fire, officers were alerted to another event in the nearby 600 block of Primrose Lane.

The Primrose Lane resident reported unknown offender(s) had entered his Jeep and attempted to set it on fire.

The fire did not spread and little damage was sustained.

Another vehicle, a Toyota, parked in the same driveway had been unlawfully entered.

During the initial police investigation, officers were approached by another resident of the 0-100 block of Talcott Drive.

The resident reported someone had set her vehicle, a Buick, on fire, which resulted in some moderate damage.

No injuries were sustained as a result of any of the fires.

The investigation is active and ongoing.

Anyone with information relating to this investigation is asked to contact the Crystal Lake Police Department at 815 356-3620 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 762-STOP (7867) for those who wish to remain anonymous. Crime Stoppers does pay cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of any individual.

A message from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Department:

Currently Investigating several rural barn fires. MCSO looks to community for assistance in reporting suspicious persons/ activity

Sheriff Keith Nygren announced today the active investigation of multiple fires in the rural McHenry County area. Since May 29, 2012, there have been several fires in rural Woodstock, Marengo, Huntley, and Harvard involving hay barns. In addition to the fires in McHenry County: Kane County and Boone County have also experienced barn fires in their respective jurisdictions.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is working in conjunction with neighboring county, local police and fire departments and the state fire marshal. The investigation to determine cause and origin and possible criminal activity is ongoing. To date, one fire in the 22500 block of River Road is deemed to be suspicious in nature.

The following is a list of the fires the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is investigating:

• 1100 Block of N Queen Anne Rd, Woodstock. Date of Fire: 05/29/2012 7:26 PM
• 11100 Block of Payne Rd, Marengo Date of Fire: 06/05/2012 1:32 PM
• 18400 Block of Lincoln Rd, Harvard Date of Fire: 06/28/2012 3:10 PM
• 13900 Block of Harmony Rd, Marengo Date of Fire: 06/29/2012 10:36 PM
• 13911 Block of Pleasant Valley Rd, Woodstock Date of Fire: 07/10/2012 10:06 PM
• 22500 Block of River Rd, Marengo Date of Fire: 07/23/2012 11:25 AM

The Sheriff’s Office wants to make sure that the rural farming community is aware of this information.

We encourage suspicious activities to be reported immediately and appreciate the support from our community.

Sheriff Keith Nygren requests that anyone with information regarding this investigation contact either the McHenry County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-800-762-STOP (7867), The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 815-338-2144, or the tip line email address: TipLine@co.mchenry.il.us

Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the offender(s). Crimestoppers does not use caller ID. For full details, view this message on the web.

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My political antenna points out that Undersheriff Andrew Zinke’s name is not mentioned above.

Got a couple of photos of Jeaepea’s late afternoon fire this afternoon on the Woodstock Square from a friend of McHenry County Blog.

They appear below:

Here’s a photo of the stairway to the second floor:

Terry Menzel, Deputy Chief of the Woodstock Fire Rescue District, informs me that the “fire [was] reported during afternoon on Sunday from smoke in apartments above business which was closed.

“Appears origin to be closet with heating /AC unit furnace motor. Awaiting further investigation with insurance company.”