From the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District on Facebook:
On Monday, October 2, 2023, at 5:10AM, the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District was dispatched to the 200 block of S. Jefferson Street in Woodstock for the reported residential structure fire.A vigilant Woodstock police officer passing through the area first reported the fire and began alerting the occupants of the home. Initial reports indicated a large fire with someone trapped on the third floor. Firefighters arrived on scene within 4 minutes and confirmed a working fire on the rear of the home with all occupants evacuated. Several hose lines were deployed, and an interior attack was quickly initiated.A request through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was made to the Box Level for additional resources to the scene and change of quarters companies. In total, seven neighboring fire districts responded to the aid request. The fire was considered under control within 45 minutes, but overhaul and investigations continued until 10:00AM. Two pet turtles were rescued by firefighters.An adult male occupant was critically injured during the fire. Due to the extent of his injuries, a medical helicopter was requested but was unavailable to fly due to weather conditions. The male patient was subsequently transported by ambulance to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital.The home sustained heavy smoke and water damage throughout and is considered uninhabitable until repairs can be made. All 9 occupants of the home are receiving housing and various aid assistance from the American Red Cross. One firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital.Preliminary investigations indicate the fire began on the rear deck of the home and quickly extended to the attic. There was no evidence of working smoke detectors in the home. Damage estimates are currently undetermined. The cause of the fire is not believed to be suspicious in nature but remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.