1 Injured In House Fire In McHenry County: Fire Officials

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — One person was injured in a house fire in McHenry County Saturday evening.

The Harvard Fire Protection District responded to the blaze at a two-story home in the 900 block of Echo Trail in unincorporated Marengo at about 6:40 p.m., according to a news release from the fire protection district. Fire crews found the fire on the second floor in the ceiling area near the chimney, and the blaze was put out within 35 minutes.

The residence sustained smoke and water damage throughout the home and is considered uninhabitable until repairs can be completed, fire officials said.

One resident was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment of minor smoke inhalation, fire officials said

Following the blaze, fire officials are reminding residents to have chimneys regularly cleaned and inspected, particularly for homes that rely on fireplaces or wood burning appliances during the winter months. Regular inspections can help identify hidden issues, such as creosote buildup or structural concerns, before they lead to a fire, according to a news release.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Harvard Fire Protection District.