FREEVILLE, NY (607NewsNow) — Freeville firefighters were dispatched to a field fire at 4:48 p.m. on October 27th, the flames having burned through several acres by the time they arrived on scene.

According to the Freeville Fire Department (FFD) Facebook page, the fire was approximately 100 feet across upon their arrival. As the fire spread, FFD requested an additional UTV unit and brush truck from the McLean and Dryden Fire Departments, trucks and tankers from the Groton and Varna Fire Departments, as well as manpower from the local departments.

While the fire departments were working to contain the fire, members of Freeville farm Beck Farms came to the aid of the firefighters, bringing over a large tractor and plows to till the field around the fire to help stop it from spreading further. A second tractor with large fold down disc cultivators assisted to till large areas and turn over the field to eventually fully contain the fire. The burn area was ultimately between 5 and 7 acres total, FFD says.

Photo of a tractor from Beck Farms helping to contain the spread of the field fire, taken from the Freeville Fire Department Facebook page.

A message from Freeville Fire Chief Mike Parker reads:

“Great appreciation to Beck Farms for their quick response as this would have been a much more difficult stop as the fire was spreading. It saved manpower from overheating and work due to the amount of physical work it takes to put out wildland fires.

We cannot thank our neighboring departments enough for their quick response, manpower and willingness to go to work when the alarm sounds. The town of Dryden, Freeville and surrounding departments are an example of the best volunteer professionals in the business. Thank you for your continued commitment and service to your community.”