2 Residents, Cat, Dog Killed In House Fire

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Two people, a cat and a dog were killed in a house fire near Union early Tuesday.

The blaze broke out at the home in the 9600 block of Knolltop Road in unincorporated Union and was reported by a passerby at about 4:10 a.m. after they saw flames coming from the front of the home, according to a news release.

The Marengo Fire & Rescue District and Union Fire Protection District — as well as 15 neighboring agencies — responded to the blaze, which was brought under control within 25 minutes.

Firefighters found two adults, a dog and cat all inside the home, according to the news release from the Marengo Fire Protection District. All were pronounced dead at the scene, according to fire officials.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts, Union Fire Protection District and the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office.

The cause and manner of deaths are pending investigation by the McHenry County Coroner’s Office. Fire investigators are expected to remain on scene throughout the morning.

Following the blaze, fire district officials are reminding resident to have working smoke detectors and to replace batteries every six months. Fire officials also reminded residents to create an escape plan, practice it and prepare to use it in the event of an emergency.

This is a developing article. Patch.com will update with more information as it becomes available.