(The Hoot News photo provided)

On Monday, October 28, 2024, at approx 2:45 p.m., Columbia Township Fire Department was dispatched to assist Thorncreek Township on a grass and brush fire in the 300 block of east CR 400 North.

Arriving units found less than a 1/2 acre of involvement from an unattended burn pile and had the fire under control within 5 minutes of arrival. Fortunately the fire was kept away from a barn and wooded area, and no injuries were reported.

Residents are strongly urged to refrain from any outdoor burning over the next couple of days as conditions will be ripe for rapid fire spread.