Warren County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the cause of a McGregor Road structure fire that injured one.

Fire completely destroyed the home at 96 McGregor Road in the early morning hours Thursday, July 21. According to Warren County property tax records, the home is owned by Janice Stokes. She purchased it less than a year ago in November, tax records show. It is unknown if she was the individual at home at the time of the fire.

Rock Island Fire Chief Ethan Mabe believes the individual was male. 

“There was an occupant at the residence,” said Mabe. “He sustained injuries associated with the fire, but I’m unaware as to the extent of those injuries. I believe he went by a privately owned vehicle to the hospital. He was not there when we arrived on scene.”

As of press time Thursday, the Sheriff’s Department declined to release any information, such as the individual’s name, age, gender, extent of injury, or why the fire is under investigation. 

“We are still investigating it as of right now,” said Chief Deputy Bo Ramsey. “We cannot give out any information at this time.”

Collins River Five Department also responded to McGregor Road. The two departments have an automatic mutual aid assistance agreement. 

“The call went out at approximately 4 a.m.,” said Mabe. “It was just before the thunderstorm rolled through. The storm added a new challenge to the scene. Lightning was concerning, but the real challenge that comes with those types of fires is the wind. It fuels it. Wind makes the fire more intense and more difficult to control. We requested mutual aid.”

Mutual aid response was given by McMinnville Fire Department, Harrison Ferry Fire Department and Viola Fire Department.

The departments battled the blaze for four hours.