Wildfire Closes Part of Interstate 74

Illinois

A wildfire broke out on Thursday afternoon near Ogden, Illinois, leading to the closure of a portion of Interstate 74. The fire started around 1:30 p.m. near the Fithian exit and quickly spread, fueled by strong winds.

Firefighters worked to contain the blaze, but it jumped the interstate, forcing the closure of both eastbound and westbound lanes. Traffic was diverted to nearby roads, causing significant delays.

Evacuations

The fire also prompted the evacuation of several homes in the Fithian and Saint Joseph areas. Residents were advised to leave their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.

Progress

As of Thursday evening, the fire was 50% contained. Firefighters continued to work to extinguish the flames and prevent further spread.

Cause

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials suspect that it may have been started by a discarded cigarette or other human activity.

Advice

Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternate routes. They should also be aware of potential smoke and reduced visibility in the area.

Residents in the affected areas should follow the instructions of local authorities and evacuate if advised to do so.