MACKINAW TOWNSHIP, Ill. (25 News) – Wind gusts of up to 30 miles per hour and dry conditions caused by the drought led to multiple brush fires in Central Illinois over the weekend.
25 News reports several rural fire departments were called during the noon hour Sunday for a fire in a wooded area along the Mackinaw River, off Hild Road.
Rugged terrain made it difficult for crews to get to the fire, so they used Tyrell Road as an entry point.
The Allin Township Fire Department from Stanford assisted Mackinaw crews with a UTV and the fire was quickly brought under control, according to the Mackinaw Fire Department.
The fire burned about 5.5 acres of land. Besides Allin Township, firefighters from Minier, Deer Creek and Tremont helped fight the fire.
No injuries were reported. It’s unclear what started the fire, but authorities are asking the public to avoid burning trash given high winds and drought conditions.
The National Weather Service issued a special weather statement on Sunday declaring an elevated fire danger across Central Illinois.
