Around 4 PM today, RED Center, which coordinates calls for the Prospect Heights Fire Department, received an urgent report about a large brush fire in the Potawatomi Woods Forest Preserve off Portwine Road. The caller described the fire as covering an area roughly the size of a football field, prompting RED Center to upgrade the dispatch to a working fire status.
Upon arrival, the initial units confirmed the severity of the situation. It became clear very quickly that this was no small blaze. The fire had spread extensively across the forest preserve, requiring reinforcements from neighboring departments. Prospect Heights, Wheeling, and Lincolnshire-Riverwoods sent units equipped with brush rigs, including Long Grove's Brush 55, to tackle the growing inferno. However, the soft ground made movement difficult, and several vehicles got stuck while trying to access the heart of the fire.
The firefighting effort was intense. Hand crews from Prospect Heights worked tirelessly to combat the flames using traditional tools, but the fire moved faster than they could keep up. Large flare-ups erupted as the fire reached areas with denser fuel loads, creating towering flames and thick black smoke that could be seen from miles away. Long Grove’s Brush 55 played a crucial role by supplying handlines, helping the firefighters maintain pressure against the advancing fire.
Despite the challenges posed by the terrain and weather conditions, additional resources were mobilized. The alarm escalated to a MABAS Brush Fire Box Alarm, bringing in critical support from Countryside Fire District, Buffalo Grove, Grayslake, Elk Grove Township, and Fox River Grove. Water tenders, extra brush units, and engines joined the fight, significantly bolstering the firefighting capabilities on the ground.
The fire's intensity grew as it encountered tall grasses, which ignited easily and fueled massive flames. High winds further complicated efforts, pushing the fire into new areas and making containment a formidable task. Firefighters stretched lines across the burn area, using every available resource to slow the fire's progress. Despite these efforts, there were moments when the flames overwhelmed the crews, forcing them to retreat temporarily to regroup.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Barrington Fire Department was simultaneously dealing with a large brush fire of their own, requiring some of the same companies that would have otherwise been dispatched to Prospect Heights. This coordination challenge tested the resilience and adaptability of all involved.
As the fire began to subside, the Cook County Forest Preserve Conservation Team, specialized wildland firefighters, arrived to take over the mop-up operations. Their expertise was invaluable in ensuring the fire was completely extinguished and preventing any potential reignitions.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the firefighting efforts. An image taken after the fire was contained shows the extensive damage but also highlights the successful efforts to bring the blaze under control. Additional photos and videos capturing the event are available for viewing.
Larry Shapiro, who was present at the scene, generously shared his photographs and promised to release a video once it is fully edited. These visuals offer a powerful glimpse into the scale and intensity of the firefighting efforts required to manage such a challenging wildfire.
The community remains grateful for the dedication and bravery displayed by all the firefighters involved, who worked tirelessly to protect lives and property amidst difficult conditions.
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