Manhattan, IL – Fire crews from multiple Will County departments responded Monday afternoon to a fast-moving brush fire near West Smith Road and South Cedar Road in Manhattan.
According to the Manhattan Fire Protection District, the call came in around 2:16 p.m. when flames were spotted burning near a combine in a cultivated field at the northwest corner of the intersection. The fire spread quickly to nearby corn, impacting roughly one acre of farmland.
Due to strong winds and dry conditions, the incident was upgraded to a full still alarm, prompting mutual aid from several nearby departments, including Frankfort, Joliet, Mokena, New Lenox, Monee, Elwood, Beecher, and University Park.
Firefighters established a water supply and brought the blaze under control within 30 minutes of arrival. No injuries were reported to civilians or responders.
“The combination of dry crops, wind, and low humidity can make field and brush fires spread extremely fast,” said Manhattan Deputy Chief David Piper. “We encourage farmers and residents to stay alert to weather conditions and call early.”
Officials remind residents that fall’s dry, breezy weather significantly increases the risk of brush fires across rural areas of Will County.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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