Forest Service on scene at wildfire near Gunston Lake, Lake County

WTIP has learned that there is a wildfire in the Kawishiwi Ranger District, west of Isabella in Lake County. The fire appears to have started near Gunston Lake, near Slate Lake.

At 4:40 p.m., the fire was estimated to be 15 acres in size.

Firefighting efforts could be hindered by weather conditions—it is currently 84 degrees in that area with winds out of the south, ranging from 5-10 miles per hour, with some gusts up to 20 mph.  

Fire crews are working to halt the fire’s progression, including the visiting Midewin Interagency Hotshot Crew from Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie, in Wilmington, Illinois. 

WTIP is waiting for confirmation and further information from the U.S. Forest Service. We will provide updates as they become available.