Brush Fire Burns 50 Acres in Deer Grove Forest Preserve

High winds and low humidity enabled what started out as a small brush fire to burn for several hours and scorch 50 acres in Deer Grove Forest Preserve late Saturday afternoon. 

The cause of the fire was improper disposal of smoking materials, and was apparently accidental, according to a press release from the Palatine Fire Department.

The brush fire was reported at 4:34 p.m. Saturday and started at northeast corner of the Deer Grove Forest Preserve near the intersection of Dee Lane and Preserve Drive.

An engine company from the Lake Zurich Fire Department was the first to respond to the scene.

The fire travelled rapidly in the marshland, and Palatine firefighters worked to protect areas near Rand Road and Lake Cook Road from downwind exposure, according to the press release.

When it was determined homes on Brentwood Drive and the north side of the forest preserve were in jeopardy due to crosswinds, additional units from the Palatine Fire Department and wildland firefighters from the Cook County Forest Preserve came in to protect the structures.

As the fire continued to burn, the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was sounded, and more than 50 firefighters from 13 area departments in came in to assist.

One Palatine firefighter suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. 

The fire was declared to be under control at 9:55 p.m. and was officially out at 10:30 p.m.

Agencies that assisted include the Cook County Forest Preserve Police who handled crowd control, Palatine Police officers who went door-to-door to alert area residents, Palatine Emergency Management Agency, Palatine Fire Rehab Team, Palatine Public Works, and the Cook County Department of Homeland Security.

When Palatine Fire Department resources were exhausted fighting the fire, Itasca, Elk Grove Township and Streamwood fire departments stepped in and provided coverage at Palatine fire stations during the incident.