(BATAVIA TOWNSHIP) – A fire in Branch County Monday night burned approximately 80 acres before it was put out.

Bronson Fire Chief Scott Wilber says his department was notified at 5:20 PM about a fire near 131 North Parham Road. Firefighters arrived and found a fire burning in a large swamp area with grass up to ten feet tall. The swamp is east of Parham Road and south of Lindley Road, about one mile long and a half mile wide.

The Colon and Burr Oak Fire Departments were called in for mutual aid, and it took just over five hours until the fire was put out.

A Colon firefighter was treated by fire personnel and Life Care Ambulance for over-exertion.

It was determined the fire started when hot exhaust from a four wheeler came in contact with the grass.