Authorities investigating small fire near Cary

The cause of a fire that broke out at a vacant house owned by the McHenry County Conservation District is still under investigation, but it appears to be suspicious, authorities said Friday.

McHenry County sheriff’s deputies initially responded to a report of criminal damage to property around 6 p.m. Thursday at the two-story farm house, 6611 Silver Lake Road, near Cary. When they arrived, there was a fire in the basement, according to Lt. Michael Douglass of the Cary Fire Protection District.

Firefighting crews were able to put out the small fire quickly using only a single engine tank, he said. No injuries were reported.

The property, which is adjacent to The Hollows Conservation Area, was deeded to the conservation district when the property owner died. Items inside the house were auctioned last year, and no one was living there, Douglass said.

The McHenry County Sheriff’s Department and the McHenry County Conservation District Police are investigating.