Staff Reportnews@thewoodstockindepenent.comHigh winds and dry conditions Thursday afternoon caused a controlled prairie burn to spread out of control ion Woodstock’s far east side south of Country Club Road.The 3:10 p.m. report in the 1300 block of E. Longwood Drive caused no injuries, but flames came within 50 feet of homes’ backdoors in the area of The Sanctuary subdivision, according to a news release from the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District.Firefighters arrived within minutes of being dispatched and observed heavy fire rapidly moving across the property,driven by strong winds, the release said. Several contracted workers were on the scene trying to control the firewhen crews arrived.Firefighters deployed two UTVs to begin fire suppression efforts, but the fire spread across nearly 10 acres before crews contained it. Firefighters workedto prevent the fire from encroaching on several nearby homes.Woodstock Fire/Rescue District reminded residents that on dayslike this, dry ground cover is extremely flammable and can cause fires to spread rapidly. The release said it is essential to exercise caution when conducting controlled burns, particularly in windy conditions,and to ensure access to adequate water supplies for fire containment. Following local burningregulations and having a plan in place can help prevent dangerous situations, the release advised.
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