A fast-moving fire tore through a four-unit condominium building in McHenry on Wednesday morning, prompting a swift emergency response that included rescuing two residents trapped on a second-floor balcony.
Emergency crews responded to the incident around 9:48 a.m. following reports of a blaze at the residential property located in the 4900 block of West Oakwood Drive. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy fire conditions and discovered two individuals stranded on an upper-level balcony, unable to escape the building through conventional interior pathways.
First responders quickly deployed resources to reach the trapped residents, successfully bringing them down to safety. Both individuals were subsequently transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Officials noted that they were treated for smoke inhalation and general distress resulting from the incident.
A third person sustained an injury while attempting to evacuate the building ahead of the fire crews’ arrival. According to fire officials, that individual suffered an ankle injury during the evacuation process and was also transported to an area hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that all three hospitalizations involved injuries that appeared to be non-life-threatening.
The structural damage from the blaze was extensive enough to displace all residents of the building. Officials with the McHenry Township Fire Protection District stated that all four condominium units within the structure were left completely uninhabitable following the fire.
Investigators remained at the scene as the exact origin and cause of the Wednesday morning fire continued to be actively investigated by local fire authorities.
