Fire Chief: Fire Risk So High, It’s ‘Like Pouring Gasoline on the Ground’
Warm temperatures, dry conditions and gusting winds are combining to make conditions extremely dangerous for open burning in many areas of Iowa, with burn bans active in 22 counties, including Floyd County.
In southwest Iowa, Glenwood Fire Chief Matt Gray says his department tackled a ditch fire along Interstate 29 on Monday (03.11) afternoon, but as crews were working to contain the blaze, the winds shifted and the flames quickly spread into a nearby cornfield.
He noted that it was so dry and with the speed of the wind, it was all we could do to keep it contained. Ultimately, the blaze consumed between five and eight acres.
Gray added that, “With the wind speeds and all the dry fuels laying on the ground. That’s basically like pouring gasoline on the ground, lighting it, and letting it go. It’s very flammable, spreads fast, and with the wind, it’s just hard to control.”
Even in areas where burn bans are not in effect, Gray urges everyone to be extremely cautious, and that includes campfires, grills and farm equipment.
During burn bans, residents are reminded not to throw cigarettes from moving vehicles and to stop burning yard waste, piled tree debris, or other items. Violations of a burn ban can subject a person to criminal penalties and civil liabilities for any damages, losses, or injuries resulting from a fire.
