This message comes from Tyler Tobolt:
I took a few photos at the McHenry Township 3rd Alarm on Tender Box 5-1274 during the house fire that occurred on November 11, 2015. The home was fully engulfed due to a lightning strike.– Thanks, Tyler Tobolt.
Tyler Tobolt photo
Tyler Tobolt photo
Tyler Tobolt photo
Here are some excerpts from NorthwestHerald.com:
A lightning strike might have caused a fire that destroyed a home in McHenry, but fire officials said other factors kept them at the scene until around 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. Combined with strong winds, it made the firefighting effort extremely challenging.
“The wind and lack of water really gave the fire an advantage,†Majercik said.
The fire was reported around 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, and by 10 p.m., flames were still visible from the two-story home at 607 Silver Glen Road. Lt. Mike Kempster noted that lingering flames came from an unshut gas line. Nicor arrived about 10:30 p.m., and firefighters managed to get the fire under control within 90 minutes.
Wind speeds were up to 35 mph when the fire started, and by the time crews left around 1 a.m., gusts were approaching 40 mph.
The entire house was destroyed, with estimated damages reaching $450,000, including the structure and its contents.
While the lightning strike is suspected as the cause, officials have not officially confirmed it. However, the homeowners mentioned hearing a loud noise on the roof before a neighbor called to report the fire.
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