The Piedmont Fire Department responded to a large field fire on Thursday afternoon around 3:30. Brisk winds caused a rapid spread of the blaze which resulted in Spring Garden and Ellisville firefighters in addition to the Forestry Commission being called for mutual aid.
The fire was along the Wagon Road, just east of Piedmont, and by the time that it was brought under control between 30 and 40 acres had been burned. Wind gusts during the day reached as high as 40 mph making the fire extremely difficult to contain.
According to Piedmont Police Chief Nathan Johnson, fortunately no one was hurt during the incident. Apparently, that field was being cut for hay, and a belt broke on a hay baler, throwing sparks which ignited the brush.
The fire was contained later that day and all roadways re-opened