(Arnolds Park)– Arnolds Park-Okoboji firefighters were called to the scene of a grass fire this (Fri.) afternoon.
Fire Chief Chris Youngbluth says crews were called to the Spring Run area east of Arnolds Park at the intersection of county roads M-56 and A-31 shortly after 2:00 p.m. Upon arriving Youngbluth says fire was burning along County Road M-56 and was approaching a residence. He says mowed grass in that area slowed the spread of the fire, and crews were able to extinguish it before it could reach the home. Three acres of an adjoining wildlife preserve also burned. Youngbluth says it took firefighters about 20 minutes to bring it under control. It took about another 25 minutes to put it all out.
Youngbluth says it appears the blaze may have been caused by a cigarette or spark that landed on some dry grass.
No injuries were reported.
Residents are once again reminded of the high fire danger right now. Open burning is highly discouraged and is prohibited in Spirit Lake, Spencer and several other area cities by ordinance.
The National Weather Service says the high fire danger will continue into atleast the first half of the weekend.
