Acreage Burns, Vehicles Damaged As Controlled Burn Grows To Brush Fire

PEOTONE, IL — No one was injured, but some acreage was burned and vehicles heavily damaged after a controlled burn spread into a brush fire Wednesday afternoon in Peotone, the Manhattan Fire Protection District said in a release.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District was called about 2:40 p.m. Wednesday to a reported brush fire in the area of 29000 South Egyptian Trail in Peotone, fire officials said.

First responders found approximately .5 acres of brush and two vehicles on fire. The fire appeared to be a controlled burn that spread, officials said. Due to dry conditions, heavy smoke and high fire spread potential, a full still alarm was called for mutual aid companies to assist at the scene. Firefighters immediately began extinguishment efforts and gained fire control within 30 minutes, but remained on scene to extinguish hot spots. The cars burned were a loss, officials said.

No injuries were reported by civilians or firefighters.

The National Weather Service has issued an elevated wind gust warning, with speeds exceeding 45 mph from Friday to Saturday afternoon. Deputy Chief David Piper emphasized the ongoing fire risk.

"Even with recent wet conditions, fire danger remains high," Piper warned. "Strong winds, dry conditions, low humidity, and warm temperatures can allow brush fires to spread rapidly. We strongly urge residents to wait for better conditions before conducting any outdoor burning."

Multiple agencies were on the scene and at the Manhattan fire stations to cover any additional calls for service during that time. These include Beecher, Mokena, Manteno, Monee, Frankfort, and University Park Fire Protection Districts.

"We are urging residents to reconsider outdoor burning at this time," said Jackie O'Hara, Fire and Life Safety Education with the Manhattan Fire Protection District. "Conditions are ideal for fire spread at this time. ”