Grass fire sparked near Haw Creek homeless camp

Columbus firefighters battled a grass fire Tuesday near Haw Creek and a homeless camp.

When Columbus firefighters arrived on the scene at about 5:21 p.m. Tuesday afternoon they discovered a fire burning in the woods just south of Rocky Ford Road. Realizing that their engines could not operate in the woods, authorities called in Columbus Township’s brush truck — a four wheel drive pickup with a water tank, hoses and pump.

The fire was soon under control. No one was found in the area but firefighters did discover a large amount of trash and camping materials, including a large liquid propane tank, plastic totes and a wheeled cart. What appeared to be debris from a tent was discovered in the fire area. Investigators believe that an unattended campfire may have been the cause of the blaze.

No injuries were reported and the fire remains under investigation.