No one was injured after a brush fire spread around 20 acres during high winds near Marengo Sunday afternoon, fire officials said.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts responded around 12:50 p.m. Sunday to the 4800 block of Millstream Road in unincorporated Marengo for a report of an out-of-control brush fire.
Firefighters arrived and found the fire was spreading rapidly across a property due to high winds and dry conditions, Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts Communication Specialist Alex Vucha said.
Crews immediately stretched several hundred feet of hose to reach and attack the fire.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the second alarm level, bringing additional brush trucks, water tenders and firefighters to the scene.
“Quick and aggressive work by firefighters prevented the fire from spreading further and potentially damaging any structures,” Vucha said.
The fire spread around 20 acres. No injuries were reported.
The fire appeared to have been lit to dispose of waste products, but authorities believe there was no malicious intent, Vucha said.
“Nonetheless, due to the high winds the fire became quickly uncontrolled,” he said.
That same day, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a hazardous weather outlook and a special weather statement that very dry ground conditions, in combination with gust winds around 35 mph, created an elevated risk for brush fire spread.
The Marengo Fire & Rescue Districts reminded the public to understand the dangers of outdoor fires.
“Before lighting any outdoor fire, it is important to check compliance with local burn ordinances. Extreme caution should also be exercised on days with high winds, low humidity, and dry ground conditions,” Vucha said.