McCormick's Creek State Park hit by field fire

A large fire occurred Friday afternoon at McCormick's Creek State Park. The fire consumed a 27-acre field within the park. No structures were damaged.

SPENCER -- At approximately 3 p.m. today, several 911 phone calls were dispatched through the Owen County Sheriff's Department of a large fire visible from U.S. 231 near Spencer. The fire was determined to be located within McCormick's Creek State Park in a large field located in the northern portion of the property. The fire consumed a 27-acre field, which was comprised of mostly sagebrush and also several small trees. No structures were consumed during the fire. Several fire departments and law enforcement agencies responding, utilized fire equipment to create firebreaks, which were used to contain the fire. The trained personnel also utilized techniques of controlled burns to facilitate in putting the fire out. The fire is totally contained at this time but the cause of the fire is still unknown. Owen County is currently under a countywide burn-ban and Indiana Conservation Officer's encourage the public to call 911 and report large fires or smoke such as today's incident. Fires can be started for several reasons and Indiana Conservation Officer's want to remind the public at how vulnerable the area is to fires.

Several Fire Departments and Law Enforcement agencies were dispatched to the call which included: Gosport Fire Department, Owen Valley Fire Department, DNR Fire Department, Stinesville Fire Department, Owen County Sheriff's Department, Indiana Conservation Officers, and the Owen County EMS.