SANFORD, N.Y. (Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025) — A malfunctioning farm tractor sparked a grass fire in a Sanford field Sunday afternoon, but the flames were quickly brought under control by the property owner before firefighters arrived, officials said.

The Deposit Fire Department was dispatched for a reported tractor fire and learned en route that the blaze had spread to nearby hay. On arrival, crews confirmed the fire was largely extinguished and performed mop-up operations to ensure it was fully out.

The fire was deemed accidental, caused by equipment malfunction that ignited hay in the field, according to the department.

Responding apparatus included Utility 22, Midi-Pumper 22 and Pumper-Tanker 22. Utility 22 and Midi-Pumper 22 are four-wheel-drive units designed for off-road use, carrying 250 and 300 gallons of water respectively, with onboard pumps for firefighting. Utility 22 is also pump-and-roll capable, allowing it to fight fire while in motion.

No injuries were reported.