On Wednesday, just after 3 PM, the West Liberty Fire Department was dispatched to a large field fire reported near Sinkhole Road and Carlisle Pike.
The fire spread quickly, prompting the request for mutual aid from neighboring departments.
Upon arrival, crews found the fire engulfing a harvested cornfield, with flames spreading rapidly due to high winds and dry conditions.
The fire ultimately burned about 50 acres of cropland and five acres of nearby woodland before being brought under control around 4 PM.
Several local fire departments, including the DeGraff Volunteer Fire Department, Quincy-Miami Township Fire & EMS, and Rosewood Volunteer Fire Department, played vital roles in controlling the blaze.
Additionally, local farmers Josh Yoder and Mark Dowden contributed by using a large tractor and disk to create a fire line, which helped slow the fire’s advance.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and fire officials urge the community to exercise caution during dry conditions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ohio is under a burn ban daily between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM.
Outside of those hours you are asked to monitor any fires closely.