Brush Fire Burns Through 7 Acres in Prairie Grove

PRAIRIE GROVE, IL — Firefighters responded to a brush fire that burned through more than seven acres of prairie grass on Thursday in Prairie Grove.

The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District was called to the 2000 block of Route 176 at about 11:50 a.m. after someone on the property reported flames. High winds caused the fire to spread quickly, prompting firefighters to request additional support from the Cary Fire Protection District, according to a news release.

The fire was brought under control in roughly 30 minutes, though crews remained on scene for an extended period to soak down hot spots and prevent flare-ups. No buildings were damaged, and no injuries were reported, fire officials said.

Officials are reminding residents to exercise caution with outdoor burning as spring conditions return.

Wind, low humidity and dry vegetation can cause even small fires to spread rapidly, anyone burning outdoors should have a water source nearby and follow local burn ordinances, avoiding fires on high-risk days.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.