Columbus and Lowndes County firefighters battled a large fire for almost four hours Wednesday in the wooded area north of the Highway 82 Main Street exit.
Firefighters were still unsure today how the early afternoon blaze started on the land west of Nash Road, between Plymouth and Waverly Ferry roads, owned by LBJ Development.
The fire quickly spread to the north and east, scorching a field and surrounding pine trees on land owned by Airline Manufacturing Co. owner Daphine Williamson. Around 10-12 acres of land were burned.
Firefighters started controlled fires and dug trenches to contain the fire, which did not damage any property or cause any injuries.
Columbus Fire and Rescue stations 1, 2 and 3 and Lowndes County District 1, 2 and 5 responded to the fire. Foresters with the state Forestry Commission and Lowndes County sheriff”s deputies were also present.
Airline Manufacturing Co. Land Manager Earl Windle said the fire was the fourth in the past 10 years on the land.
“This is not the first time,” he said. “This happens (almost) every year. Someone gets mad and starts a fire.”
Windle said no one had been authorized to burn anything on the land, which was closed to the public.
He also speculated that, because a large ditch filled with water runs through the middle of burned field, the fire had to have been started on both sides.
Dispatch writer Sarah Wilson contributed to this story.
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