Moline, IL – Fire crews in Moline spent several hours battling a large brush and timber fire Tuesday night after flames broke out in the wooded areas along the Rock River near North Shore Drive.
According to the Moline Fire Department, the fire was reported around 7:10 p.m. on November 17 in the 600 block of 52nd Avenue, where heavy timber and deep forested terrain made access difficult for arriving crews. Firefighters encountered a sizable fire burning deep within the woods and were forced to initiate suppression efforts on foot using rakes, shovels, and paddles to slow the spread.
Because of the fire’s size and the challenging landscape, officials said mutual aid was requested from the Coal Valley Fire Department and Blackhawk Fire Department. Coal Valley crews deployed a boat to shuttle water to the fire line, while firefighters on the ground worked to knock down hot spots and contain the blaze.
The Moline Police Department also assisted by deploying its drone unit, which provided aerial footage and real-time mapping of the fire to help incident commanders direct resources more effectively.
Crews remained on scene for several hours before bringing the fire under control. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.
Fire officials cautioned that due to the heavy amount of natural fuel in the area, smoldering is expected to continue for some time. Residents living near the Rock River corridor may continue to see smoke as crews monitor for flare-ups.
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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