Dixon, Illinois – A 700-acre grass fire in Lee County led to an arson arrest Friday, drawing a multi-agency response and prompting a weather-related fire warning.
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, dispatchers were notified at approximately 11:11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, of a large grass fire inside the Green River State Wildlife Management Area that authorities say was intentionally set. Witnesses reported seeing a man exit a vehicle and allegedly ignite areas of grass before detaining him until deputies arrived.
Trent W. Schafer, 21, of Kasbeer, was taken into custody at the scene. He was charged with one count of arson related to the wildlife area fire. Additional arson charges are pending in Lee County and Bureau County, according to investigators. Authorities allege the additional cases involve previously set fires. Schafer also is a volunteer firefighter with the Ohio, Illinois Fire Department.
Arson is a Class 2 felony in Illinois, punishable by three to seven years in prison. It is also a detainable offense under the SAFE-T Act.
The Walnut Fire Department assumed command of the fire, which escalated to a five-alarm response as winds gusted between 30 and 35 mph. Crews from multiple communities and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources assisted. The fire was brought under control around 3:45 p.m., with extinguishment efforts continuing past 5 p.m.
A Special Weather Statement issued at 9:40 a.m. warned of elevated grass fire risk due to low humidity and gusty winds.
The incident may impact outdoor access and travel in the preserve area, particularly for students and weekend visitors.
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