JEFFERSON COUNTY — A large field fire Friday southwest of Mt. Vernon brought out eight fire departments to battle the flames that ultimately burned around 50 acres of soybean stubble.

Jefferson County Fire Protection District firefighters responded around 2 p.m. Friday to the 9000 block of East Bakerville Road.

Officials say the fire started as a controlled burn of tree stumps but strong winds and dry conditions pushed the flames into a nearby just-harvested soybean field. No buildings were threatened.

Mutual aid was called from West City, Bluford, Waltonville, Woodlawn, Valier, Sesser, and Benton.

Firefighters were on the scene for about three hours.