Structural fire displaces two families in Belvidere

By Kathryn Menue
Editor
BELVIDERE – On Tuesday, March 1 emergency responders around Belvidere, Boone County, and McHenry County responded to a structural fire that dislodged two families from their homes.
At approximately 11:45 p.m., Belvidere Fire District II responded to a structural fire at 703 Pearl St. in Belvidere.
According to Fire Chief Al Hyser, when firefighters arrived on the scene, flames were visible from the outside of the two story structure.
Crews from Belvidere Fire District II and the Marengo Fire Department had the fire under control by 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Boone County EMA, Lifeline, and the Belvidere Police Department also responded to the scene.
The house had been converted into two apartments where two different families resided. The fire caused extensive damage, resulting in the dislodgement of both families.
Chief Hyser said the fire department estimated there is about $75,000 worth of damage.
“Smoke damage and heavy fire resulted in the $75,000 damage to property,” Chief Hyser said.
Fortunately, the smoke detectors alerted the families to the fire and everyone was able to escape the house with no injuries. Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames with no injuries to their crew as well.