Fire Shuts Down 76

Traffic on State Route 76 came to a standstill as emergency response crews were dispatched to a structure fire four miles outside of Willow Springs Thursday night. The fire broke out after a brush pile on the Beason property spread to nearby garages. The fire rapidly increased due to high winds and engulfed nearby trees.

Willow Springs Fire Chief Vance Farmer arrived first on scene and discovered two garage structures fully engulfed in flames. Gusty winds carried embers across the highway causing multiple, “tiny,” fires to breakout on the Stillwell property, Chief Farmer said.

A car at the Stillwell’s home caught fire from the falling embers. Acting quickly, Chief Farmer attempted to diminish the flames before they spread to other vehicles and neighboring structures. “Using dirt, gravel, and a few bowls of water from residents, I was able to control the vehicle fire until trucks arrived on scene,” Farmer said in an interview.

Once crews began to arrive, Chief Farmer received medical treatment for minor injuries. “I received minor burns and lacerations to two fingers while working,” he explained. 

Willow Springs, Eleven Point, and Pumpkin Center Fire Departments all responded to the scene. Both garages on the Beason property were a total loss. The car on the Stillwell property had minor damage to the windshield, wiper blades, and electrical wiring due to the fire. A few trees were also damaged in the blaze.

Chief Farmer reported on Saturday, that his fingers are healing, “just fine.”