2 downtown McHenry businesses left uninhabitable by fire: ‘Very sad day in McHenry’

Riverside Bake Shop and Reeses Barkery and Pawtique in downtown McHenry were left uninhabitable by a fire Sunday afternoon.

Josh Olmstead, an acting battalion chief at the McHenry Township Fire Protection District, said the businesses were uninhabitable after the fire.

One firefighter suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for evaluation, but has since been released.

Olmstead said about 6 p.m. Sunday, crews had cleared the scene, but investigators were still on site.

McHenry Area Chamber of Commerce President Molly Ostap said she had reached out to the owners of Reeses Barkery and knows the community will support the affected businesses as they figure out the next steps.

“It’s heartbreaking. We are deeply saddened,” Ostap said.

Ostap said the Chamber’s thoughts are with the business owners, employees and “everyone affected by this devastating loss. We are keeping all neighboring businesses and those experiencing secondary damage, such as water or smoke, in our thoughts.”

Ostap said it is “truly a sad day for McHenry.” She added the Chamber extends its “deepest gratitude” to the local police and fire department, as well as neighboring fire departments, for their swift response and support.

“McHenry is a strong, resilient community, and we will continue to stand together as we support one another through recovery,” Ostap said.

Frank McClatchey, who lives within walking distance of the bakery, said it was a “very sad day in McHenry.”

McClatchey, a former McHenry City Council member, said about 2:45 p.m. Sunday, he just saw the bakery and the roof was about half down. He said fire crews were pouring a lot of water on the building.

McClatchey said he felt bad for the owners of Riverside Bake Shop as well as Reeses Barkery next door. “They’re totally done,” he said.

McHenry Police Department Deputy Chief Thomas Walsh confirmed the McHenry Township Fire Protection District was working a fire at the bakery, 1309 North Riverside Drive.

Walsh said later Sunday afternoon that the fire department will have more information, “but the preliminary investigation shows it most likely was accidental.”

Route 120 was closed for several hours between Green Street and River Road in downtown McHenry. Police said around 4:50 p.m. Sunday the road was open. The closure was announced around 1:20 p.m. Sunday.

Riverside Drive was closed in downtown McHenry between Broad Street and Route 120. Walsh said the road was closed so fire crews could safely access the building with their equipment.