Crews controlling large field fire south of Johnston City, Ill.

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. (KFVS) - Crews were on the scene of a large field fire Tuesday afternoon, March 28.

It was off Interstate 57, southwest of Johnston City, between Stardust Golf Course and Bandy’s Pumpkin Patch.

Heavy smoke could be seen for several miles.

Williamson County Fire Protection Chief Jeremy Norris said the fire began due to a local golf course burning brush piles that got out of control.

Norris said the fire got in the phragmites, and ended up burning more than 75 acres.

He said the wetter weather helped the fire stay contained and not spread rapidly.

“It’s all contained inside, there’s still some trees that are smoking probably will all night. But you might see some small pockets pop back up but it can’t go anywhere,” Norris said. “So all the property owners around it--it’s burned to the edges of their stuff, so we’re all secured.”

He said to fight a fire like this you have to protect the edges and let it burn out.

Norris said things are all under control now and that residents may see smoke overnight, but it is no threat to the public.

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