A large storage barn was severely damaged by a fire Aug. 14 at 37W260 Kaneville Road in unincorporated Geneva Township near Geneva’s west side.

The Geneva Fire Department was dispatched at about 9:06 p.m. for a reported structure fire. The storage barn was unoccupied but did house a boat and pick-up truck. 

First arriving companies found thick smoke coming from the east side of the structure with heavy flames visible from the interior. Firefighters initiated a defensive attack, and elevated the initial response to a Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) first-level box alarm for additional manpower, equipment and resources. The fire was brought under control in about 40 minutes.

Two firefighters were treated for dehydration and released at the scene.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage estimates still are being compiled, but the storage barn and contents sustained significant damage.

Firefighters from Batavia, St. Charles, Elburn, West Chicago, Fermilab and the North Aurora fire departments assisted Geneva at the scene. The South Elgin and Winfield fire departments filled in the Geneva fire stations during the call. 

Additional support was provided by the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, Kane County Office of Emergency Management, Geneva Police Department, Commonwealth Edison, Salvation Army and the Geneva Public Works Department.