WOODSTOCK, Ill. - Nearly 10 acres of prairie caught fire Thursday afternoon after contractors lost control of a controlled burn amid strong winds in northwest suburban Woodstock.
What we know:
Around 3:10 p.m., firefighters responded to an active fire in the 1300 block of East Longwood Drive, according to a Facebook post by the Woodstock Fire and Rescue District.
When firefighters arrived, several workers were attempting to contain the fire as strong winds swept through the area.
Officials said the winds pushed the fire across nearly 10 acres of prairie, but firefighters were able to contain it before flames reached nearby homes, coming within 50 feet.
No injuries or structural damage were reported, officials said.
What's next:
Large portions of the Chicago area are currently under a wind advisory through early Saturday morning as hurricane-force winds move through the central Plains.
What you can do:
Fire officials warned that dry ground is extremely flammable in windy conditions. They encouraged anyone conducting outdoor burns to follow regulations, monitor weather conditions, and have an adequate water supply to prevent fires from spreading.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by a Facebook post by the Woodstock Fire and Rescue District.