Wonder Lake fire causes heavy damage to kitchen, home uninhabitable

A kitchen fire Tuesday in Wonder Lake caused an estimated $75,000 in damage, with the kitchen needing a full gut to repair, Wonder Lake Fire Chief Mike Weber said.

Firefighters were called about 8 p.m. to the 8100 block of Wonderview Drive for a reported structure fire, Weber said. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke coming from the front door and eaves, and a resident in the doorway with his cat. There were no other people in the home, Weber said.

The fire was put out in about 10 minutes, but the cabinets and their contents were in flames. The homeowner “will have to redo the whole kitchen,” Weber said, leading to a $75,000 damage estimate. There is heat and water damage throughout the home, making it uninhabitable while repairs are made, he said.

Fire officials offered the resident aid from the American Red Cross, but he told fire officials that he would stay with friends.

The Woodstock, McHenry Township, Hebron-Alden-Greenwood, Richmond Township and Spring Grove fire districts helped at the scene, and Cary and Crystal Lake firefighters covered other calls during the two hours firefighters were active, Weber said.