Vehicle tire to blame for Crescent Bar fire

By RICHARD BYRD

Staff Writer

CRESCENT BAR — A wildfire that broke out near Crescent Bar Tuesday evening was reportedly caused by a vehicle tire igniting dry vegetation.

The fast moving fire broke out about 6 p.m. and was reportedly caused as a result of a lost tire coming off of a vehicle on state Route 28 near Crescent Bar, according to Trooper Brian Moore. The blaze, dubbed the Mansfield Road Fire, grew rapidly in size due to high winds and a Level 3 evacuation notice, meaning people are in immediate danger and need to leave as soon as possible, was sent out for Mansfield Road north of Crescent Bar Road about 6:40 p.m. by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office sent out a “shelter in place” notice about 7:35 p.m. for all residents in Crescent Bar, urging them to stay where they were as fire crews were battling the blaze.

Firefighters on the ground were aided by water drops from above by helicopters and the fire was reported to be under control about 8:10 p.m. There was no reported injuries or structures destroyed. Firefighters were at the scene for several hours stomping out and mopping up hot spots.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.