POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY – Fire crews in Pottawatomie County on Wednesday responded to a grass fire in the 4000 block of Blue Run Road in St. George.

The Westmoreland Fire Department temporarily blocked off Black Jack Road and Some homes were evacuated along the Highway 24 corridor as the fire rapidly spread.

Firefighters also battled the fire in a wooded area using off-road vehicles.

The fire appears to have been started by an improperly discarded cigarette, according to Pottawatomie Co. Fire Chief Jared Barnes.

Approximately 40 acres burned and there were no injuries.