From the Harvard Fire Protection District:
30-Acre Brush Fire Contained on Bunker Hill Road
On March 9, 2026, at 2:43 p.m., the Harvard Fire Protection District was dispatched to the 20500 block of Bunker Hill Road in unincorporated Marengo for a reported brush fire that was out of control.
Firefighters arrived on scene and confirmed an uncontrolled burn rapidly spreading across several acres grassy farm fields and cattails.
Due to the fire’s forward progress and windy conditions, additional brush firefighting apparatus was requested from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District and the Union Fire Protection District.
Crews worked to establish containment lines and extinguish the advancing fire as it moved through open agricultural land.
The fire was brought under control within approximately 90 minutes, though firefighters remained on scene until approximately 5:00 p.m. extinguishing remaining hotspots and flare ups as gusty winds continued to move through the area.
In total, nearly 30 acres burned and one small piece of farm machinery sustained damage.
No structures were damaged and no injuries were reported.
The Harvard Fire Protection District reminds residents and contractors to use caution when conducting outdoor burning, particularly during periods of strong winds.
Even controlled burns can quickly become unmanageable when wind conditions change, allowing fire to spread beyond intended burn areas and threaten nearby property.
The Harvard Fire Protection District thanks the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District, Union Fire Protection District, and our dispatchers for their assistance in coordinating and supporting the response.
The athotos are courtesy of the Harvard Fire Protection District.
