SYCAMORE – A Sycamore firefighter is in serious but stable condition at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford following a Monday evening church fire at 327 S. Main St., Sycamore.

Bill Reynolds was injured when debris from an explosion at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church struck his left leg, Sycamore Fire Chief Bill Riddle said.

“He’s much improved after surgery,” Riddle said. “He’s a very positive guy. His chances of recovery are excellent.”

Firefighter Brad Ballenger suffered first- and second-degree burns to his hand, Riddle said. He was treated and released from Kishwaukee Community Hospital on Monday night.

Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire.

The Sycamore Fire Department; the State Fire Marshal’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are investigating the fire and explosion that rocked the church shortly after 5 p.m. Monday.

ATF involvement is nothing unusual, Riddle said. It is required when any church is damaged by fire.

Riddle estimated damages at more than $3 million. The stained-glass windows alone were worth more than $1 million and were uninsured, said Cheryl Maness, church member and 1st Ward Alderwoman.

Monday’s fire is being treated as a separate incident from the minor fire Sunday morning at the church, Riddle said.

Sunday’s fire began in the pipe organ equipment and forced evacuation of the church during early morning Sunday service.

Riddle said the second fire likely wasn’t directly related to the first, but a similar origin had not been ruled out.

Crews remained at the church through Monday night dousing spot fires. On Tuesday, they allowed the fire to smolder as they watched from East Ottawa Street.

The investigation paused for the evening Tuesday and will resume Wednesday at 8 a.m., Riddle said.

Construction equipment should be in place Wednesday to remove debris and allow investigators to continue working in what remains of the structure.

Now that the initial shock of the loss has lessened, church members have begun to look ahead, said the Rev. Donald Phelps, pastor of the church.

“They’re doing very well with it now,” Phelps said. “It’s like they’ve said, ‘OK, now what?’”

Church leaders met late Tuesday night to decide a plan of action for the immediate future.

“We will be worshipping this Sunday,” Phelps said. “I think every single congregation in town has offered their church. We’re overwhelmed by the response.”