Embers from a controlled burn drifted into a nearby cornfield Monday afternoon, scorching roughly 15 acres before firefighters from four districts brought the blaze under control.
A routine controlled burn near Hebron took an unexpected turn Monday afternoon when wind-carried embers landed in an adjacent cornfield and sparked a fast-moving brush fire.
What Happened
Crews from the Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District were dispatched around 1:17 p.m. to the 11600 block of Vanderkarr Road in unincorporated Hebron after receiving reports of a brush fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found roughly five acres of unplowed corn stubble actively burning.
The fire spread quickly through the dry stubble. District Chief Thomas Linneman confirmed that embers from a nearby controlled burn had blown into the field and ignited the blaze.
Multi-Agency Response
Because of the fire's rapid growth, three neighboring departments were called in to assist:
- Richmond Fire Protection District
- Wonder Lake Fire Protection District
- Woodstock Fire/Rescue District
Working together, crews brought the fire under control in approximately one hour. By the time the blaze was fully extinguished, an estimated 15 acres had burned. No injuries or structural damage were reported.
Controlled Burn Safety Reminders
Controlled burns are a common land-management practice in McHenry County, but conditions can change quickly. The McHenry County Department of Health offers the following guidance for property owners:
- Check wind conditions before starting any burn and monitor throughout.
- Maintain firebreaks — clear strips of bare soil around the burn area.
- Have water and tools on hand to suppress any escape.
- Notify your local fire district before conducting a controlled burn.
- Never leave a burn unattended, even if it appears to be dying down.
Residents with questions about burn permits or fire safety can contact the Hebron-Alden-Greenwood Fire Protection District at 815-648-2388.