Fire causes $450,000 in damage to McHenry County barn

Fire swept through a pole barn in northern McHenry County early Saturday, causing an estimated $450,000 in damage and leaving the structure gutted.

Firefighters from more than a dozen departments battled the blaze, which was reported at about 4:45 a.m. in the 1400 block of Dunkee Road in Alden Township, according to the Hebron Alden Greenwood Fire Protection District.

The first crews arrived to find the barn engulfed in flames, officials said. The fire was brought under control at about 6 a.m., with firefighters able to prevent it from spreading to a 10,000-gallon propane tank nearby,.

Firefighters remained scene checking for hotspots and investigating until 11 a.m.

Authorities did not report any injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but appears to be accidental, officials said.