An apartment fire at the Woodscreek apartments killed a 47-year-old Huntley man Sunday morning, while displacing 12 others. At 6:12 a.m. the Huntley Fire Protection District responded to a call of a fire in the victim, Allen R. Jacobs’, first floor apartment in the block of 11702 Woodcreek Dr, Huntley.
By the time responders arrived, the unit was filled with smoke and the fire had already begun to spread, preventing them from entering the complex to search for Jacobs. Immobilized by an accident earlier in his life, Jacobs was confined to a wheelchair.
Due to single digit temperatures and the nature of the fire, fifteen area departments provided aid in response to the Huntley Fire Protection District’s call for assistance.
In accordance with typical protocol following a structure fire, the State Fire Marshall will conduct a joint investigation with the Huntley police and fire departments.
Presently, foul play is not suspected, it is assumed the fire started accidentally.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons