Multiple Grass Fires Breakout in Southeast Minnesota, Garbage and Equipment Blamed
Undated (KROC-AM News)- The predicted major storm bringing rain and snow to southeast Minnesota could provide some relief for local firefighters.
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Rochester area firefighters have fought multiple grass fires in a period of just two days. Wind and dry conditions were factors, according to officials.
One fire was apparently started by an equipment issue and another stemmed from a garbage fire.
Two of the three recent fires were reported on Friday. The Rochester Fire Department reported extinguishing a grass fire that started amid warm temperatures and strong winds near the Shoppes on Maine in rural southeast Rochester.
Skid Loader Lost After Starting on Fire in Field Near Eyota, MN
Also on Friday, the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office assisted firefighters from Eyota, Dover and Elgin at the scene of a grass fire near Eyota.
Olmsted County Sheriff’s Captain Tim Parkin says a skid loader caught on fire in a field in the 2800 block of Hwy 42 Northeast.
The blaze torched an estimated 10 acres of prairie grass before firefighters put it out. The skid loader, valued at $40,000 was deemed a total loss, according to the sheriff's office report.
Parkin said the fire appears to be accidental and was caused by a mechanical or electrical issue with the equipment.
Garbage Fire Embers Blown to Grass Field, New Fire Quickly Spreads in Pine Island, MN
On Saturday afternoon, the Pine Island Fire Department put out a quick-moving grass fire that was burning out of control in the 9500 block of 115th St. Northwest.
Crews battling dry conditions and 18-20 mph winds got to the scene around 3:40 p.m. and cleared the scene by about 4:30 p.m. Officials determined the fire started while the property owner was burning garbage.
Embers from the garbage fire blew into the field and sparked the fire. Efforts by the owner to extinguish the fire with a garden hose were not successful, officials said.
No injuries were reported in any of the three grass fires.
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