Dozens of fire departments were called to battle a second-alarm brush fire that damaged 20 acres in Wauconda Wednesday and one of the firefighters was relieved from the scene to witness his baby being born.
The Wauconda Fire District responded around 2:14 p.m. Wednesday to the 29600 block of Virginia Lane in unincorporated Wauconda for a report of a grass fire.
Firefighters began extinguishing operations to control the approximately three-acre blaze, which threatened nearby structures and posed a risk to the surrounding community, according to Wauconda Fire District Battalion Chief John Spratt.
The incident was upgraded to the second alarm through the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS).
Firefighters from over 30 departments, along with the Lake and McHenry County Wildland Task Force, worked to suppress the flames.
Spratt said there were challenging conditions, including gusty winds, dry vegetation and a lack of fire hydrants.
The fire was declared under control at 3:48 p.m. with full extinguishment reported at 5:16 p.m.
“We would like to thank all our brave first responders and our partner agencies for their quick and coordinated efforts in tackling this fire. While this was a large fire, our teams were able to act swiftly and prevent any injuries or property damage,” Spratt said.
There were no injuries reported to any residents or firefighters and no structures were damaged.
Spratt said the fire began when a resident was burning a Christmas tree behind his home and embers caught the marshy area on fire, which quickly spread due to the dry conditions.
“We urge residents to remain cautious and not to burn during windy conditions,” Spratt said. The fire ultimately damaged more than 20 acres.
One of the firefighters at the scene was relieved from his duties to be with his wife as she went into labor.
“Personnel worked seamlessly to continue firefighting efforts in his absence, ensuring the safety of everyone involved as he was hurried away to the hospital,” Spratt said.
The firefighter was able to make it to the hospital in time to witness the birth of his first child, a healthy baby boy.
“The fire district understands the importance of family and we are incredibly proud of this firefighter’s dedication to the job and his commitment to his wife. We would like to express our well wishes to the new parents, sending our heartfelt congratulations and support,” Spratt said.