Field fire engulfs 300 acres in northwest Rockford

ROCKFORD, IL — Fire crews were called to 4704 N. Rockton Ave about 1:10 p.m. Oct 27 to battle a large field fire that engulfed about 300 acres.

According to the Rockford Fire Department, Rockford Fire and Northwest Fire were the first two departments on the scene.

Firefighters found a fast-moving fire spreading to the north and west, and the incident was upgraded to 6 alarms, according to a news release.

Forty-six firefighting companies from 31 departments across the region worked together to put the fire out.

Fire engines, fire tenders, grass fire vehicles and ATVs worked nearly four hours to extinguish the fire.

There was no damage to nearby buildings. Roadways were completely shut down and reopened at 5 p.m. Some nearby structures included three schools — Our Lady of the Sacred Hea