Large fire damages multiple businesses, including beloved bakery in McHenry, Illinois

A midday fire damaged four businesses, including a popular bakery, in McHenry, Illinois, on Sunday afternoon.

Firefighters were up against a massive blaze, with low temperatures. The cleanup after the fire was expected to be a lengthy process given the damage and the number of impacted businesses, while residents worry about the future of a staple in their community.

First responders were still on scene on Riverside Drive about six hours after the call first came in. Steam was coming off the runoff, with restoration crews assessing the damage.

Heavy smoke was seen rising off the rooftop of multiple businesses along this stretch in northwest suburban McHenry. One of the names on the front, Riverside Bakery, is a staple of the local community.

"Everybody knows Riverside bakery," said resident Cindy O'Connor.

Firefighters were called to the scene just at 12:07 p.m., minutes after the bakery's normal closing time, to find the blaze. Firefighters arrived within three minutes and found heavy smoke coming from the roof.

A primary search confirmed that everyone had safely evacuated.

With the large fire and the cold weather, McHenry Fire Chief Rudy Horist said they called for mutual aid, using resources and staff from neighboring departments to battle the flames and backfill their own operations.

The most extensive smoke and water damage happened at the Riverside Bakery, which was central to the community.

"The family has owned it forever, for generations, and I mean, it's sad. If something happens to this, it's really going to be sad," O'Connor.

Also damaged in the fire was pet food and supply store Reeses Barkery and Pawtique, which vowed to make sure its customers' pets would be taken care of despite the tragic blaze.

"No matter what our building looks like right now, we are making sure your pets have the food, treats, and essentials they need for the week ahead. Our store may be damaged, but our commitment to this community is not," Reeses said in a statement published on social media. "We will be placing a special order for anything your pet needs."

The George Thompson Insurance Agency and McHenry Dental Associates were also damaged in the fire, according to the McHenry Chamber of Commerce.

"This is truly a sad day for McHenry and our beloved Riverside Drive," the chamber said. "We extend our deepest gratitude to our local police and fire rescue teams, as well as the surrounding community fire departments, for their swift response and support during this difficult time."

The fire chief said that two people had to be treated for minor injuries. Both are expected to survive — one of them is a firefighter.

The injured firefighter and civilian were taken to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital.

The Salvation Army and McHenry School District 15 provided warming buses during the fire.

The investigation into the exact cause for the fire continued Monday morning.