Latest News

February 24, 2026

1. Wonder Lake House Fire Leaves Young Family Homeless and Pet Injured: A house fire on the 2000 block of Winterberry Trail in Wonder Lake displaced a recently married couple expecting a child. Multiple fire departments from Lake, McHenry, and Kenosha counties responded to the blaze, which was reported Saturday afternoon. The fire caused severe damage to the home and left the family's cat injured and trapped inside. Emergency crews were able to reach the scene within minutes, but the residence was left uninhabitable. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 24)

   Lake County Wonder Lake, IL +16 Antioch, IL Cary, IL Grayslake, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Waukegan, IL Woodstock, IL

February 22, 2026

1. Two Hospitalized, Cat Rescued After House Fire in Wonder Lake Causes Major Damage: A house fire on the 2000 block of Winterberry Trail in Wonder Lake led to two people being transported to the hospital Saturday afternoon. Firefighters from multiple counties responded quickly and were able to rescue a trapped cat from the residence. The fire caused notable damage to the two-story home, particularly affecting the attached garage area. The incident has left the residents displaced as authorities continue to assess the situation. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Feb 22)

   Lake County Wonder Lake, IL +16 Antioch, IL Cary, IL Grayslake, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Waukegan, IL Woodstock, IL

January 25, 2026

1. Severe House Fire Destroys Home Near McHenry During Frigid Temperatures: Firefighters responded to a major house fire early Saturday in the 3300 block of North Bayview Lane in unincorporated McHenry, Lake County. The blaze, reported shortly after 2 a.m., destroyed the home as wind chill temperatures dropped to minus 30 degrees, complicating firefighting efforts. Multiple 911 calls were made, prompting a large response from the McHenry Township Fire Protection District. The structure was ultimately reduced to ruins, and no injuries were immediately reported. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 25)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +16 Algonquin, IL Antioch, IL Cary, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

January 24, 2026

1. House Destroyed by Fire During Subzero Wind Chills Near McHenry: Firefighters responded to a major house fire in the 3300 block of North Bayview Lane in unincorporated McHenry early Saturday morning, facing wind chills near -30 degrees. Upon arrival, crews found the single-family home fully engulfed and battled flames for hours. The fire threatened a nearby detached garage, but no residents were present when the fire broke out. The blaze ultimately left the structure completely destroyed. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Jan 24)

   Lake County Mchenry, IL +16 Algonquin, IL Antioch, IL Cary, IL Hebron, IL Richmond, IL Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL Woodstock, IL

December 8, 2025

1. Homeowner Injured and Dog Rescued After Garage Fire Near Spring Grove: A fire broke out Sunday afternoon in the 6300 block of North Shore Avenue in unincorporated Spring Grove, destroying a detached two-car garage and causing damage to a nearby home. The homeowner was injured during the incident and required hospital treatment. Neighbors assisted the homeowner in rescuing a dog from the affected residence. Multiple area fire departments responded quickly to bring the blaze under control and prevent further damage. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 8)

   Lake County Spring Grove, IL +10 Mchenry, IL Hebron, IL Antioch, IL Richmond, IL Grayslake, IL Salem Lakes, WI

December 2, 2025

1. Man Charged With Arson After Thanksgiving Fire Destroys Family Home in Beach Park: A 21-year-old Beach Park resident was arrested after prosecutors alleged he set fire to his family's house following a dispute regarding a dog on Thanksgiving Day. The fire broke out in the 40100 block of North Lone Oak Road, with family members still inside at the time. Multiple fire departments from Lake County and Wisconsin responded to the blaze, and the accused individual was ordered held until trial. Authorities handled the initial dispute without violence, but the situation escalated later that evening. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Dec 2)

   Lake County Beach Park, IL +14 Zion, IL Antioch, IL Gurnee, IL Libertyville, IL Bristol, VT Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL

November 28, 2025

1. Beach Park Man Charged with Arson After Thanksgiving Argument Over Family Dog: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with arson after authorities say he intentionally set his house on fire on Thanksgiving night. According to prosecutors, the incident began with a disagreement regarding a family dog, which escalated to the suspect dousing the residence with gasoline and setting it alight. Deputies responded to the scene on North Lone Oak Road after being called about a domestic dispute. The individual now faces detention based on concerns for family safety. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)

   Lake County Beach Park, IL +14 Zion, IL Antioch, IL Gurnee, IL Libertyville, IL Bristol, VT Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL

2. Beach Park Resident Accused of Arson After Thanksgiving Family Dispute: A 21-year-old man from Beach Park has been charged with aggravated arson and residential arson after allegedly setting his house on fire following a family dispute on Thanksgiving. Authorities responded to a domestic incident at the North Lone Oak Road residence where deputies had previously intervened to calm a verbal argument. No injuries were reported, and legal proceedings are underway. The incident remains under investigation by Lake County officials. (Source: Lake and McHenry County Scanner on Nov 28)

   Lake County Beach Park, IL +14 Zion, IL Antioch, IL Gurnee, IL Libertyville, IL Bristol, VT Salem Lakes, WI Wauconda, IL