No one was seriously injured, in part, thanks to the quick thinking of a local former firefighter, Billy Anderson, who happened to be passing by when the fire broke out. YouTube Tips ⓘ
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District (MTFPD) was dispatched about 12:07 p.m., Sunday, January 18, 2026 to a reported structure fire at the Riverside Bake Shop, 1309 N. Riverside Drive in McHenry. Crews arrived within three minutes and encountered heavy smoke coming from the roof of the building.
Firefighters initiated an aggressive fire attack while simultaneously conducting a primary search to ensure all occupants had safely evacuated. A former firefighter, Billy Anderson, had already helped make sure three occupants of the building were evacuated. All occupants were confirmed to be out of the structure, according to MTFPD. The fire extended to adjoining business, and impacted several of the adjoining businesses.
Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) extra alarms were requested at the first alarm level, second alarm level, and the third alarm level, followed by an interdivisional box alarm with assistance from neighboring counties (fire engine strike team).
Additionally there was a Box Alarm for fire investigators. The mutual aid response provided additional resources to the scene and backfilled MTFPD stations for coverage in case of any other emergencies in the fire district.
Working Fire response requested at 12:11 PM.
MABAS Division 5 Box Alarm on Box #5-1240 North activated by 12:28 PM.
MABAS Division 5 Box Alarm 2nd Level on Box #5-1240 North activated by 12:47 PM.
MABAS Division 5 Box Alarm for fire investigators on Box #5-1220 North activated by 1:29 PM.
MABAS Division 5 Box Alarm 2nd Level on Box #5-1240 North activated by 1:37 PM.
ENGINE STRIKE TEAMS: MABAS Division 5 Interdivisional Box Alarm with five engines (11 were available) from MABAS Division 2 (Kane County area) and five engines from MABAS Division 4 (Lake County Area) on Box #5-1240 North activated by 1:54 PM.
Fire investigation vehicle from Division 4 also requested at 2:16 PM.
Firefighters in staging released at 3:02 PM; holding the Change of Quarters companies.
MTFPD received on-scene support or station coverage from Algonquin, Antioch, Bartlett, Carpentersville, Cary, Countryside, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Fox Lake, Grayslake, Hampshire, Hebron, Huntley, Lake Zurich, Lake Villa, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Mundelein, Nunda, Richmond, Round Lake, South Elgin, Spring Grove, Twin Lakes, Wauconda, West Dundee, Wonder Lake, and Woodstock fire departments and fire districts.
The Salvation Army Canteen and warming buses from McHenry School District 15 assisted at the scene.
Fire suppression efforts were hampered by extreme cold, and the incident resulted in extensive damage to several businesses.
NWS Weather Observations Greater Rockford Airport
14:54 Air Temp 15.1 °F Wind SW 09 MPH Light Snow
13:54 Air Temp 14.0°F Wind SW 09 MPH Overcast
12:54 Air Temp 12.9°F Wind SW 13 MPH Overcast
11:54 Air Temp 10.9°·F Wind SW 09 MPH Light Snow
One civilian and one firefighter were transported to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital with minor injuries.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and a damage estimate is not available at this time, according to MTFPD.
Riverside Bake Shop
City of McHenry and Beyond,
Thank you for your continued support throughout this devastating time. As you might have heard our store and neighboring units have caught fire this afternoon. We are currently learning the extent of the damage and how to proceed. Please know that everyone has made out it safely.
We are thankful from the bottom of our hearts for all those who have reached out to support us: the Mchenry, Crystal Lake, and neighboring Fire Departments, and the local community for helping us out during the extend of the damage.
We are currently closed throughout this time and will provide updates when we learn more information.
Thank you to the local community who has voiced your support. We are so grateful for the community we have built and can lean on throughout this difficult time.
Reeses Barkery and Pawtique – McHenry
Our hearts are hurting, but our focus is clear.
Your pets come first.
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.
We will be placing a special order for anything your pet needs.Orders must be in by Monday at 11:00 a.m.
Items will arrive Tuesday
We will offer free local delivery or multiple pickup locations and dates so no one goes without.
To place an order:
• PM us
• Call or text 815-354-3522
• Comment below and we will reach outThis is hard. We are heartbroken. But we will show up, and we will take care of our community and the pets who depend on us. Always.
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