From the McHenry Township Fire Protection DistrictRoute 120 Restaurant Fire Determined to Be Accidental
Route 120 Restaurant Fire Determined To Be Accidental
McHenry, IL. The McHenry Township Fire Protection District has determined that the October 21, 2026, fire at a vacant restaurant in the 2300 block of Route 120 was accidental and resulted from the soldering of pipes by workers inside the building that day.
The workers had left the property several hours before the fire was discovered.
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the City of McHenry Police Department assisted with the investigation.
A fire investigator representing the insurance company also investigated the incident and reached the same conclusion regarding the cause.
Firefighters responded at 10:26 p.m. after a passerby reported fire behind the business.
Arriving crews found heavy fire extending through the roof of the one-story building.
The incident escalated to a second alarm, with 14 agencies assisting at the scene or providing station coverage.
The fire was brought under control within one hour.
No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported.
