PORT ALLEGANY — The Star Hose Fire Department responded to a report of a wildfire near U.S. Route 6 in Liberty Township Sunday afternoon.

The fire, which was called in by property owner Jody Postlewaite at 1:56 p.m., had spread from a barrel that was being used to burn waste. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found the fire slowly spreading into a wooded area. The fire was extinguished without difficulty in about 30 minutes. According to deputy chief Michael Johnson, an area of approximately 600 square feet was affected.

Johnson states that this is a poor time of year to burn trash and he discourages anyone from doing so, but anyone who does is asked make sure the burn barrel is in good condition

“Don’t take your eyes off it for a minute,” he warned.