A highway brush fire causes low visibility, required secured traffic for local fire department

By Charles Browne / Local Resident

A brush fire alongside U.S. 66 approximately half of a mile South of IL 138 was reported on the East side of the highway.

A brisk wind from the Southeast moved the flames rapidly. Dense smoke was observed briefly, obscuring the road completely, yet five northbound vehicles were seen to emerge through the smoke in quick succession. Several more vehicles followed moments later but visibility had greatly improved by then.

A Mt. Olive Fire Department tanker truck arrived about 3:40 p.m. proceeding through the now less dense smoke and used a vehicle mounted water...