2 Juveniles Injured After 'Off-Roading' Vehicle Causes Brush Fire: Officials

Two juveniles suffered minor burns after an off-roading incident sparked a wildland fire on Tuesday afternoon at the Ray Lake Forest Preserve near Mundelein.

Authorities said the fire began when the vehicle activity ignited dry vegetation and quickly spread through part of the preserve, according to the Lake & McHenry County Scanner. Fire crews spent about an hour putting out the blaze, which burned through 3.5 acres of the forest preserve.

Police urged residents to avoid the area on Tuesday afternoon while they battled the blaze.

"We are working with area fire departments and the Forest Preserve Police regarding a brush fire that was started by a vehicle off-roading in the area of Gilmer Road and Erhart Road near Mundelein," according to the Lake County Sheriff's Office.

No arrests were reported in connection with the incident, which remains under investigation, according to news reports.