From the McHenry Township Fire Protection District:
Rubbish/Brush Fire
On March 25, 2026, at approximately 2:02 p.m., the McHenry Township Fire Protection District (MTFPD) responded to a reported brush fire in the 2100 block of S. River Rd. in Holiday Hills.
Crews arrived within eight minutes and found several acres on fire containing rubbish, heavy equipment, recreational vehicles, semi-trailers, pallets, and used tires.
This produced a large column of black smoke visible from a few miles away.
Firefighters assisted the property owner who was using heavy machinery to control the spread of the fire.
The fire spread to a nearby state park and residential property but was stopped with additional help from the IDNR Conservation Rangers.
Firefighters contained the fire to approximately five acres and adjoining properties, with no civilian or firefighter injuries.
The MTFPD wants to remind residents that dry Spring weather creates optimal conditions for brush and vegetation fires to quickly ignite and spread out of control. Please use extreme caution and follow your local open-burning ordinances and regulations.
