Crews contain large woods fire Tuesday

Firefighters work to contain a large woods fire that occurred in Washington Township on Tuesday. About eight acres burned in the incident.

Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

REELSVILLE — Firefighters from multiple agencies contended with a fire on Tuesday that burned a large wooded area in Washington Township.

The Reelsville Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at about 3:50 p.m. for a brush fire located at 4262 S. CR 700 West. Upon its arrival, about six acres of the land had already burned. With the fire spreading, Reelsville Fire requested its brush fire box alarm.

Apparatuses, equipment and manpower came from the Greencastle Fire Department and Cloverdale Township and Madison Township volunteers, as well as the Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department in Clay County.

Putnam County EMS was also at the scene, while Putnam County CERT arrived later with drinking water.

After a tractor was used to clear openings, the Greencastle and Cloverdale Township firefighters managed the terrain with utility task vehicles and the former’s brush truck. Leaf blowers were used to create a firebreak, while some trees were also cut.

Greencastle Fire’s brush truck moves through the terrain as the numerous resulting hot spots are tackled. Utility task vehicles were also utilized.

Banner Graphic/BRAND SELVIA

The fire was declared contained by 5:20 p.m., after which numerous hot spots were dealt with. Overall, about eight acres were burned in the incident.

“That was the worst part, was getting all those hot spots,” Reelsville Fire Chief Brian Stearley said. “There were a lot of dead trees burning up in the center.”

Stearley related that wood was burning in a fire pit when the vegetation caught and the fire ultimately fanned out.

No injuries to personnel were reported with the response. All crews were back in service by 7:30 p.m.

According to Putnam County GIS, the land in question is listed to Robert and Peggy Selby.