Fast-Moving Brush Fire Along Interstate 57 Contained In Peotone: Manhattan Fire District Officials

PEOTONE, IL — Firefighters contained a fast-moving brush fire Thursday evening along Interstate 57 near mile marker 326 after the fire spread to both sides of the interstate. The fire was stopped before it could spread into nearby fields. No injuries were reported.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District was dispatched at approximately 5:30 p.m. after multiple callers reported a brush fire burning in the interstate ditch near mile marker 326. The fire quickly spread from mile marker 326 to mile marker 327. Southwest winds of approximately 9 mph contributed to the fire's rapid spread.

As conditions changed, incident commanders upgraded the response to a Full Still Brush Fire, bringing additional mutual aid resources to the scene. Illinois State Police assisted with traffic control while firefighters worked to contain the fire and protect motorists traveling through the area.

By approximately 5:54 p.m., firefighters had the fire in the northbound lanes under control and shifted suppression efforts to the southbound side of the interstate. The fire was declared under control at approximately 6:02 p.m., and all responding companies cleared the scene by approximately 6:10 p.m.

"Roadside brush fires can spread rapidly, especially when wind and dry vegetation create favorable fire conditions," Deputy Chief Dave Piper said. "Thanks to the coordinated efforts of our firefighters, our mutual aid partners and the Illinois State Police, crews were able to quickly contain the fire, protect motorists and prevent it from spreading beyond the interstate."

Fire departments from Manteno, Monee and Beecher responded to the scene. Channahon, East Joliet, New Lenox and University Park provided station coverage to maintain emergency response throughout the Manhattan Fire Protection District.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District reminds motorists to use caution during dry conditions. Discarded smoking materials, dragging trailer chains, and vehicles parked in tall grass can all ignite roadside vegetation and lead to rapidly spreading brush fires.