Firefighters battle a large mulch fire at The Mulch Center, 3023 23rd Place, in North Chicago on Sunday. | Photo: Max Weingardt

No one was injured and no structures were damaged after several fire departments battled a large mulch fire for three hours on Sunday, officials said.

The North Chicago Fire Department responded around 2:10 p.m. Sunday to the area of The Mulch Center, 3023 23rd Place in North Chicago, for reports of smoke in the area.

Firefighters investigated and later found a large pile of mulch on fire, North Chicago Fire Department Battalion Chief Tom Deinken said.

Several fire departments in the area responded to assist with the incident.

Firefighters battle a large mulch fire at The Mulch Center, 3023 23rd Place, in North Chicago on Sunday. | Photo: Max Weingardt

Crews were challenged due to difficult access to the fire, Deinken said.

Two ladder trucks were used to help extinguish the fire, which took around three hours.

No structures were involved in the fire and no one was injured, Deinken said.

Officials believe the fire started naturally when large piles of mulch build up heat and ignite.

[Suggested Article]  Attempted murder charges filed against gunman who allegedly opened fire on police officers in North Chicago

In July, a new unoccupied building at The Mulch Center’s Bittersweet Avenue location caught on fire and was destroyed.