Man, 32, Several Animals Found Dead In Home After Fire: Authorities

By Sam Borcia, the Lake & McHenry County Scanner

The coroner’s office has identified a 32-year-old man who was found dead inside a Marengo house fire that also left several animals dead Saturday.

Nicholas Andersen, 32, of Marengo, was identified as the victim by McHenry County Coroner Michael Rein. An autopsy is being scheduled for early this week.

The Marengo Fire Protection District responded around 4:30 a.m. Saturday to the 400 block of North Hale Street in Marengo for a report of a structure fire.

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Marengo Fire Protection District Chief John Kimmel said that despite a quick response time from firefighters, whose station is nearby, the home was fully engulfed in flames on their arrival.

The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to bring additional firefighters and equipment to the scene.

Firefighters battled the fire for approximately 90 minutes before getting the blaze under control, Kimmel said.

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After the fire was under control, firefighters located a male victim, later identified as Andersen, deceased inside the residence.

Rein said that Andersen lived in the home. Multiple animals were also found dead inside the residence.

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the McHenry County Coroner’s Office was called to the scene to assist in the investigation.

A damage estimate was not immediately available but the home was considered a total loss.

Lake and McHenry County Scanner is a local breaking news website covering issues that matter such as shootings, stabbings, house fires, kidnappings, car accidents, and more around Lake County and McHenry County.