Woods fire

BRANCH TWP. — Three fire departments were on scene of a woods fire on Benson Road north of Decker Road around 2:30 Friday afternoon. Branch, Fountain and Custer fire departments were called to what was initially reported as leaves on fire in the woods. High winds caused the fire to quickly spread and come near buildings, scorching a shed.

Branch firefighter Luke McVicker, who was incident commander, said the fire started from a burning barrel. Winds were reported out of the south at 24 mph gusting to 30 mph with temperatures around 62 degrees. The fire burned about 2.5 acres.

“Even though we have had a lot of rain, the vegetation is still very dry,” Custer Fire Chief John Allison said.

“When you are burning, always have a bucket of water or hose near by,” McVicker said.