The Buffalo Grove Fire Department responded to calls reporting a fire in the prairie behind 441 Cedar Street. Fire companies found strong winds pushing the field fire into tall cattails and an easement for the electric company lines. The alarm was elevated to a Code 4 for the working fire and followed by a Box Alarm and then a 2nd Alarm for additional companies. The access for fire crews was vast and spread out over several blocks requiring many companies that setup in at least seven locations throughout the neighborhoods.

Buffalo Grove, Palatine, Prospect Heights, and the Countryside FPD all deployed engines with deck guns. Three aerials were positioned as well with the ability to place elevated master streams into operations if the need arose. Structure protection was put into place in several locations as the fires came within 50 feet of at least four different homes.

Departments assisting Buffalo Grove included Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, Deerfield, Long Grove, Palatine, Countryside, Mundelein, Highwood, Lake Zurich, Grayslake, Lincolnshire-Riverwoods, Wheeling, Northfield, Highland Park, Barrington, Lake Forest, and Libertyville.

Larry Shapiro, Tim Olk, and Dan McInerney all took in the fire and will have images from the scene.

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Tim Olk photo

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Dan McInerney photo

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Dan McInerney photo

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Larry Shapiro photo

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Larry Shapiro photo

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Larry Shapiro photo

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Larry Shapiro photo

Large brush fire in Buffalo Grove 7-8-12

Larry Shapiro photo