The Shoal Creek Fire Protection District fought a ground fire on Saturday that kept them busy through most of the afternoon and into the evening. The fire was reported in at 1:19 PM at the intersection of N 4th Avenue and Arrow Trail by Donnellson, according to the Chris-Mont EMA. The fire spread easily due to dry conditions, gusty winds, and low humidity jumping multiple fields and at its widest point was four miles wide. The fire also stretched over a seven-mile area north/northeast. At 7:37 PM the fire was under control and units stayed on the scene afterward to monitor any hotspots.
During the fire, Hillsboro Police alerted citizens in the Kortkamp area to monitor and evacuate if need be. One house was destroyed in the fire off Illinois Route 185 and one firefighter from Shoal Creek Fire was taken to the hospital due to smoke and debris in the eye.
Multiple agencies including Montgomery, Macoupin, Fayette, Clinton, Bond, and Macon Counties, along with the Red Cross assisted with helping with the fire. Area farmers also helped by providing tractors and plow support to help get ahead of this fire.
