Police from Lake in the Hills and firefighters from Huntley Fire Protection District responded about 1:14 p.m. Monday, March 9, 2026 to a report of a brush fire about 2 acres in size in the block of 400 Steeplechase Way in Lake in the Hills. The fire involved a controlled burn by a wildland restoration company that reported to 9-1-1 that the fire “got away from them.” Vinyl siding was damaged by fire and heat on two floors of a single-family house. The damaged siding was on the south side of the house, facing a vacant field. Apparently fire from the vacant field, where small reservoirs and a marsh or swamp are located, crossed the property line and burned a low-lying property line border and part of the grass lawn on the south side of the house. Central air conditioner equipment, an electric meter, and a data box were also mounted on the side of the house where the siding was damaged. Initially, there was no information available regarding whether the air conditioner and utility boxes were damaged.
Huntley Fire Protection District firefighters arrived within six minutes; and upon arrival, firefighters discovered a large field fire burning in a marsh area behind several homes.
Crews requested additional personnel to assist because of the difficult terrain and marsh conditions in the area.
The fire ultimately burned approximately four acres before the was brought under control and extinguished.
No injuries were reported, and the home was habitable after the uncontrolled fire.
Wildland restoration personnel lost control of the fire during windy conditions, which caused the fire to jump two berms, and spread into a surround marsh, according to the Huntley Fire Protection District. There was no National Weather Service Red Flag Warning or fire danger alerts Monday, but according to the National Weather Service records, winds in the area were from the south about 14-15 MPH and gusting to 24 MPH. The Relative Humidity dropped to 39% to 38% Monday early afternoon. The Air Temperature was 67°F to 71°F early afternoon Monday.
“Residents and contractors are reminded that prairie and outdoor burns must comply with all local and county burn ordinances. Wind conditions can cause fires to spread quickly beyond their intended area, creating dangerous situations for nearby homes and property.”
— Huntley Fire Protection District
A new subdivision is planned just south of the vacant area that was burning.
Wildland restoration controlled burns, also known as prescribed burns or prescribed fires, are planned, managed fires used to reduce hazardous fuel loads in the attempt to prevent catastrophic wildfires, rejuvenate ecosystems, and control invasive species, such as buckthorn, honeysuckle and other aggressive non-native species. Controlled burns are conducted primarily in spring and fall by trained crews, and promote native plant regeneration and biodiversity while enhancing habitat, according to the Forest preserves of Cook County website.
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