Latest News

February 5, 2026

1. Sprinkler System Limits Damage in Early Morning Fire at Crystal Lake Complex: An early morning fire at a multifamily residential complex on Ambassador Circle in Crystal Lake was contained thanks to an active sprinkler system and prompt fire department response. Firefighters arrived shortly after 1 a.m. to find smoke coming from a garage and successfully extinguished a small fire that had been kept in check by the building’s sprinklers. Damage was limited to one garage, preventing further destruction or injuries. Authorities credit the safety systems for minimizing loss in the incident. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 5)

   Lake County Crystal Lake, IL +9 Algonquin, IL Cary, IL Huntley, IL Mchenry, IL Wauconda, IL Carpentersville, IL Woodstock, IL

January 19, 2026

1. Two Injured in Major Fire at Downtown McHenry Bakery and Pet Store: A significant fire broke out Sunday afternoon at a commercial property on North Riverside Drive in downtown McHenry, Illinois, impacting both Riverside Bake Shop and Reese’s Barkery & Pawtique. Emergency crews from 30 departments responded to the scene, where two people were reported injured. Firefighters worked extensively to control the blaze, which caused major damage to the businesses. This incident has had a profound effect on the local community. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 19)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +33 Kane, IL Algonquin, IL Antioch, IL Bartlett, IL Carpentersville, IL Cary, IL Countryside, IL Elgin, IL Grayslake, IL Hampshire, IL Hebron, IL Huntley, IL Libertyville, IL Lincolnshire, IL Mundelein, IL Richmond, IL Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

January 9, 2026

1. House Fire in Crystal Lake Displaces Residents and Injures One Person: A house fire in the 1400 block of Candlewood Drive in Crystal Lake on Thursday afternoon caused extensive damage, leaving the property uninhabitable and residents without a home. Multiple fire departments responded, and the incident required an upgrade to a mutual aid response. One individual sustained injuries in the blaze, which resulted in an estimated $100,000 in damage. The cause of the fire and further details about the displaced residents were not released. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 9)

   Lake County Crystal Lake, IL +10 Algonquin, IL Cary, IL Huntley, IL Mchenry, IL Wauconda, IL Carpentersville, IL Marengo, IL West Dundee, IL Woodstock, IL

December 10, 2025

1. Live Power Lines Spark House Fire in Algonquin, Multiple Departments Respond: Early Wednesday morning, broken electrical lines fell across two yards, a house, and a car on the 800 block of Oceola Drive in Algonquin, setting a home ablaze. Firefighters from several departments responded after numerous 911 calls reported both a yard and a residence on fire. The situation required an upgraded response due to the live wires arcing over several properties. ComEd crews were called in to handle the hazardous power lines and ensure neighborhood safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 10)

   Lake County Algonquin, IL +8 Barrington, IL Carpentersville, IL Cary, IL Elgin, IL Huntley, IL

November 27, 2025

1. No Injuries in Residential Fire on Apache Trail in Lake in the Hills: A minor fire occurred late Wednesday at a home under construction in Lake in the Hills, located on the 200 block of Apache Trail. Firefighters responded quickly, extinguishing the blaze without any reported injuries. After ensuring the fire had not spread, investigators began examining the scene to determine the cause. The origin of the fire and estimated damages have not yet been established, and multiple local agencies provided assistance. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 27)

   Lake County Lake In The Hills, IL +3 Algonquin, IL Huntley, IL Carpentersville, IL

October 26, 2025

1. Residents Displaced Following Early Morning Duplex Fire Near Algonquin: A fire caused significant damage to a two-story duplex in the 11000 block of Mohican Drive in unincorporated Algonquin early Sunday morning, displacing the occupants of both units. Multiple fire departments responded around 5:30 a.m. to address the blaze, which involved heavy flames visible from the second floor and the right side of the home. All residents managed to evacuate safely before crews arrived. The cause of the fire and extent of property damage remain under investigation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 26)

   Lake County Algonquin, IL +9 Cary, IL Carpentersville, IL Huntley, IL Barrington, IL Elgin, IL Palatine, IL

October 19, 2025

1. High School Football Game in Carpentersville Delayed After Nearby Shooting: A varsity football game between Dundee-Crown High School and Prairie Ridge High School in Carpentersville was interrupted and the field evacuated Friday night due to a shooting near the Fox View Apartments, located adjacent to the school. Police reported that a vehicle was damaged by gunfire, but no (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Oct 19)

   Lake County Carpentersville, IL +1 Crystal Lake, IL