Unofficial Update: State Highway 45 is reopened. Blaze is mostly controlled, as of 4:45 PM.

A massive grass fire has took over Sugar Lake just south of Rushville.&nbsp; St. Joseph Police have advised staying out of the area while first responders are on the scene. State Highway 45 was closed for over an hour hour as the blaze grew too close.

By JIM FARISUnofficial Update: State Highway 45 is reopened. Blaze is mostly controlled, as of 4:45 PM.A massive grass fire has took over Sugar Lake just south of Rushville.&nbsp; St. Joseph Police have advised staying out of the area while first responders are on the scene. State Highway 45 was closed for over an hour hour as the blaze grew too close.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773948878586.jpeg" alt="The Lake, taken from the east/ Photo by Jim Faris" />
 <figcaption>The Lake, taken from the east/ Photo by Jim Faris</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773948827693.jpeg" alt="North Shore Drive, apparent fire origin/ Photo by Jim Faris" />
 <figcaption>North Shore Drive, apparent fire origin/ Photo by Jim Faris</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773949026772.jpeg" alt="Lewis &amp; Clark Village, on the South side of the lake/ Photo by Jim Faris" />
 <figcaption>Lewis &amp; Clark Village, on the South side of the lake/ Photo by Jim Faris</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773951047782.jpeg" alt="East Shore on Fire. Photo by Jim Faris" />
 <figcaption>East Shore on Fire. Photo by Jim Faris</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/3/1773951083861.jpeg" alt="Photo by Jim Faris" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Jim Faris</figcaption>
 </figure>

St. Joseph Police advise public away from Sugar Lake area during large brush fire