HAMILTON TOWNSHIP — Forestry officials and firefighters are keeping an eye on a forest fire that began Wednesday in an area off County Road 400 near U.S. 52 in Hamilton Township.

The fire has consumed about 60 acres of private property within the Wayne National Forest protection area, Ironton District Ranger Gloria Chrismer said.

The fire was reported around 10 p.m. Wednesday. Chrismer said while the fire continues to burn, firefighters have it under control and are watching it closely. It is not known yet what caused the blaze, but Chrismer warmed about burning anything because of the drought.

“It is exceptionally dry right now and green stuff, if it’s dry like this, will burn,” she said. “Even if we get a little rain, that doesn’t mean it’s safe to burn.”