Several Lewis County fire departments douse corn field fire in Watson

WATSON- Local firefighters managed to stop a field blaze Friday from spreading to a pair of nearby homes in Lewis County.

It was shortly after 2:30 p.m. when Lowville Fire Department was dispatched to a corn field near 6715 Pine Grove Road, town of Watson.

A witness told dispatchers there was a sizable field fire that had ignited. By the time first responders arrived, approximately four-acres of a corn field were burning.

Mutual aid was provided thanks to Croghan, Glenfield, Martinsburg and New Bremen Fire Departments.

Thanks to quick and efficient teamwork, Lowville Fire Chief Joe Austin tells us the flames were doused and stopped from spreading to a pair of nearby homes.

New York State Forest Rangers helped with containing the flames. Members from Watson DPW and Lewis County Search & Rescue also assisted.

In terms of injuries, authorities say one firefighter was taken to a local hospital and treated for a heat-related illness.

In terms of what caused the flames to spark and spread, Chief Austin says a malfunctioning piece of farming machinery is to blame. The farmer operating the unit says he was unable to do anything, except call 9-1-1.

Hot and dry conditions enabled this fire to spread so fast, Chief Austin iterated.

Although there appears to be rain forecasted for early next week, the New York State DEC continues stressing their annual spring burn ban, which is still in effect through May 14.

Image via the Lowville Fire Department.