Article Summary: Emergency crews across Montgomery and Macoupin counties were overwhelmed on Tuesday by a series of field and structure fires fueled by dry conditions, including a massive blaze in Litchfield that consumed a shed and 25 acres of land.

Fire Outbreak Key Points:

• Litchfield: A shed fire at 2240 Wynn Lane spread to approximately 25 acres, requiring mutual aid from three departments.

• Bunker Hill: A field fire at 602 East Mead Street upgraded to a structure fire involving two buildings.

• Regional Impact: Departments in Mt. Olive, Girard, Virden, and Shoal Creek all battled significant brush and timber fires throughout the day.

Fire departments across the region faced a relentless series of emergency calls on Friday, as dry conditions turned small sparks into threatening blazes that endangered structures and consumed dozens of acres.

The most significant incident occurred in Litchfield Township, where local firefighters were dispatched to 2240 Wynn Lane for a report of a “shed fire” that was “fully involved.” Upon arrival, the situation deteriorated rapidly. Command personnel reported that the fire was “moving into her neighbor’s yard” and estimated that “approximately 20 to 25 acres” were actively burning.

Litchfield Command immediately called for reinforcements to maintain a steady water supply in the rural location. “Start a box for a brush truck and a tender,” the officer ordered. The Carlinville Fire Department was requested to provide a tanker, while brush trucks were dispatched from the Mt. Olive and Raymond Fire Departments. Crews also monitored a propane tank on the property, eventually confirming there were “no flames under the tank at this time.”

While Litchfield crews battled the acreage fire, a similar scene played out in Bunker Hill. Firefighters were called to 602 East Mead Street for a report of a “field on fire.” The incident quickly escalated, with dispatch advising incoming units that the fire was “now into two structures.” The Bunker Hill Fire Department requested mutual aid from Brighton and Staunton to assist in saving the threatened buildings.

The dry conditions stressed resources throughout the afternoon, sparking several other dangerous incidents:

• Mt. Olive: Firefighters responded to the area of Craig Lake Road for what command described as an “approximately 15-acre timber fire.” Mutual aid was requested from Staunton and Dorchester fire departments, specifically for brush trucks to access the difficult terrain.

• Shoal Creek: The Shoal Creek Fire Protection District battled a “brush fire out of control” near the intersection of New Douglas Road and Old Ripley Road outside Sorento. The Taylor Springs Fire Department provided manpower and equipment. Command eventually reported the blaze was “90% contained.”

• Girard: Crews responded to a residence at 30402 Pine Lane at Sunset Lake for a “fire in the yard.” Dispatch warned responding units that the fire was burning “around and under a propane tank.” The Virden Fire Department provided mutual aid.

• Virden: Near Thayer, at 19767 Route 209, Virden firefighters faced a field fire with “structures close” to the flames. Mutual aid was summoned from Girard, Auburn, and Divernon.

• Butler Avenue: Litchfield Fire Department responded with a truck for a small brush fire on Butler Avenue on Friday afternoon.

A field fire was also reported north of Shipman, contributing to the high volume of radio traffic managed by county dispatchers throughout the day.

Fire crew attended a small fire on Butler Avenue Friday afternoon as dry conditions sparked fires across the area.