At least two massive brush fires sparked in the Chicago area Tuesday morning just moments before a Red Flag Warning took effect in several counties.
A large blaze was reported in Alsip, downing power lines and leaving some in the Mount Greenwood area without power, according to authorities in Chicago's 22nd Police District.
Chief Jerald Miller with the Alsip Fire Department said authorities have called for a voluntary evacuation from Kostner and Joalyce Drive to 115 and Joalyce Drive. Those impacted can take shelter in the Prairie Junior High School cafeteria, officials said.
"Everyone is asked to stay indoors and avoid the impacted areas," Alsip police wrote on their Facebook page.
There were no reported injuries as of Tuesday afternoon.
The Alsip Fire Department reported warm weather caused multiple large brush fires along train tracks in the area, involving "many businesses and homes."
Marist High School also reported the blaze, located one mile south of the school.
"We are monitoring the situation and in contact with local authorities," the school said in a statement on Twitter.
Aerial Photos Capture Massive Flames as Brush Fire Erupts in Chicago Area
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Images from the scene showed large black clouds of smoke shooting into the sky.
Another increasingly large fire was reported in Pembroke Township in Kankakee County.
The Kankakee County Sheriff's office confirmed it was assisting, but the Pembroke Fire Protection District was handling the case.
The Kankakee Daily Journal reports firefighters were called to 12000E Road as winds continued pushing the flames east.
Further information wasn't immediately known. Authorities could not immediately be reached for comment but NBC's Sky 5 chopper was headed to the scene.
All of the Chicago area was put under Red Flag Warning beginning at noon Tuesday and continuing until 7 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service, “the combination of strong winds, very low relative humidity, exceptionally dry fuels and warm temperatures will promote extremely dangerous behavior of any fires.”
The weather service said "critical fire weather conditions" will likely be seen.
