'Controlled burn' in Crystal Lake damages at least 8 homes

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. (WLS) -- At least eight homes in northwest suburban Crystal Lake were damaged by what was supposed to be a "controlled burn". Residents said it's not the first time something like this has happened.

Residents said the private contractors performing the burn on a patch of wetland had a water truck, but couldn't stop what they started.

Mike Staples shared images of towering flames raging out of control taken from his back porch.

"I saw a piece of siding fall on the deck, so that's when I opened the sliding glass door and got hit with all the heat coming in," Staples said.

Staples inspected his home and found melted siding and possible window and roof damage.

"As the fire moved towards the east, we saw the side of our house was melted," said Maureen Geraci, whose home was also damaged.

A contractor hired by the homeowner's association was doing a controlled burn on the government-protected wetland. Residents were told it was to weed out invasive plants, but then two small fires somehow merged into one.

"That's when it really took off. That's where all the heat was coming from," Staples said.

As Crystal Lake firefighters arrived, so did Huntley's fire chief, Ken Caudle, who lives in the neighborhood.

"It's something that you don't normally hear, so it does take you a little bit by surprise. But because of what we do, you just deal with it. You accept it, and go make sure your family is okay," Kaudle said.

Caudle's home was not damaged, but at least eight others were.

Geraci said it's the second time this has happened. Her home was similarly damaged 16 years ago, she says, the last time a controlled burn was done here by a different contractor.

"I understand the reason for it, but when homes get damaged from it, it's senseless," Geraci said.

Residents say they have been contacted by the contractor, McGinty Brothers of Long Grove.

ABC7's calls and emails to the company were not returned Tuesday night.