MCHENRY, McHenry County, Ill., Oct. 23, 2026 — A fire tore through a four-unit condo building in McHenry on Wednesday morning, October 21, displacing four families and sending three people to the hospital.
Firefighters and McHenry police were called around 9:48 a.m. to the 4900 block of West Oakwood Drive for a report of a structure fire. Battalion Chief Ryan Mastandrea said multiple callers reported the fire and some said an elderly couple was trapped inside. Crews arrived to find heavy flames and smoke coming from the two-story building.
Mastandrea said firefighters located two people trapped on a second-floor balcony at the rear of the building and brought them down by ladder. Both were taken to the hospital along with a third person who was hurt while getting out on their own, he said. Deputy Chief Paul Polep said Wednesday afternoon that all three were hospitalized as a precaution and that one minor injury was reported. No firefighters were hurt, Polep said.
The response grew to a second alarm through the regional Mutual Aid Box Alarm System, drawing 16 fire departments to the scene or to cover empty stations, Mastandrea said. Crews reported a large column of smoke visible for miles. Firefighters brought the fire under control in about an hour using what Polep described as a mix of defensive and interior firefighting tactics, and searches turned up no other occupants in the building.
The unit where the fire started suffered heavy damage, while the rest of the building sustained moderate damage and was deemed uninhabitable, Mastandrea said. The Red Cross was called in to help the four displaced families; the exact number of residents affected was not immediately known. Fire investigators are now working to determine how the fire started, Polep said, and a damage estimate has not been released.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Accidents in McHenry, IL
This incident happened on West Oakwood Drive in McHenry, IL. We cover accidents across McHenry County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our McHenry County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should residents do if they're displaced by a fire? Contact organizations like the American Red Cross early for emergency housing, and keep records of damaged belongings for insurance and recovery purposes.
What are common injuries in building fires? Smoke inhalation, burns, and injuries from falls or jumps during evacuation are among the most frequently treated conditions after structure fires.
What typically causes condo or apartment fires? Electrical faults, cooking accidents, and heating equipment are common causes, though a specific cause can only be confirmed once investigators complete their review.
What to Do After a Fire in McHenry, Illinois
If you're displaced by a fire, start by registering with the Red Cross or a local emergency shelter for immediate needs like housing, food, and clothing. Get checked by a medical provider even if injuries seem minor, since smoke inhalation effects can show up hours later. Keep a written log of what happened and when, including any communications with your building's management or insurance company. Take photos of damage as soon as you're allowed back near the property, and hold on to receipts for anything you have to purchase while displaced. Reach out to neighbors and building management for updates on repairs and re-entry, since timelines after fires like this one can shift as inspections continue.
