Fire officials say more than seven acres of prairie grass were damaged after a fire fueled by high winds broke out in Prairie Grove Thursday morning.
The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District responded around 11:48 a.m. Thursday to Crystal Creek Farm Venue, 2025 Route 176 in Prairie Grove, for a reported brush fire.
Nunda Rural Fire Protection District Public Information Officer Alex Vucha said the fire was called in to 911 by someone at the property.
Fire crews arrived and found several acres of prairie grass actively burning and spreading due to high winds, Vucha said.
Additional resources were requested from the Cary Fire Protection District and McHenry Township Fire Protection District to assist with extinguishing operations.
The McHenry Township Fire Protection District was canceled before they arrived as crews were able to gain control of the fire.
Vucha said the fire was brought under control within approximately 30 minutes.
Firefighters remained on the scene for an extended period to soak down hot spots and prevent any flare-ups due to the wind conditions.
More than 7 acres of prairie grass burned in total, Vucha said. No structures or buildings were damaged and no injuries were reported.
“As spring conditions return, residents are reminded to use caution when conducting outdoor burning,” Vucha said.
He said wind, low humidity and dry vegetation can cause fires to spread quickly.
“This includes burning in barrels or other confined spaces, as embers can travel and ignite nearby grasses or structures,” Vucha said.
Anyone burning is encouraged to have a water source readily available and always follow local burn ordinances while avoiding burning on high-risk days.
The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District said it appreciates the assistance provided by the Cary Fire Protection District during the incident.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Nunda Rural Fire Protection District.