Numerous fire departments in McHenry County were called to a fire that burned nearly eight acres of farmland and threatened homes near Woodstock Friday afternoon.
The Woodstock Fire/Rescue District responded around 12:46 p.m. Friday to the 2200 block of Stieg Road in unincorporated Woodstock for a report of a brush fire.
Firefighters arrived in seven minutes and encountered a fast-moving fire rapidly spreading through a cornfield, according to Woodstock Fire/Rescue District Communication Specialist Alex Vucha.
Strong western winds, dry vegetation and the potential for the fire to spread to nearby structures prompted the incident to be upgraded.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the box alarm level for additional resources, Vucha said.
Firefighters, along with additional water supply units and off-road capable apparatus, responded to the scene to assist in extinguishment efforts.
“Given the rural location and the lack of nearby fire hydrants, securing additional water supplies and manpower was essential in containing the fire,” Vucha said.
Firefighters worked to bring the fire under control and it was declared contained at 1:56 p.m.
Fire crews remained on the scene to extinguish lingering hot spots.
Approximately 7.5 acres of farmland were affected by the fire, Vucha said.
The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office shut down the roadways in the area during the incident.
The Richmond, Spring Grove, McHenry, Union, Crystal Lake, Huntley, Marengo and Wonder Lake fire departments assisted Woodstock.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.