A series of grass fires erupted on U.S. 54-400 Highway, west of Augusta, late Thursdday afternoon. Numerous fire units from Augusta and Andover fire departments responded.

Around 5 p.m. Thursday fire equipment from other county departments were en route to the fire and the smoke.

The fires were south of the highway and were apparently moved along by a gusty 20 mph wind.

Damage was basically confned to dry, grassy areas.

There were no reports of injuries.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

There  was an unconfirmed report received by The Gazette that a low-hanging muffler on a vehicle created sparks along the highway which may have ignited the grass.