Machine Shed, Tractor, Implement, 20-25 Acres Of Grass Destroyed In Klondike Fire

Date posted - July 19, 2012

Klondike, Iowa — We now have more information on that fire that occurred on Tuesday afternoon near the Big Sioux River village of Klondike in Lyon County.

It was in Larchwood’s fire district. Larchwood Fire Chief Damon Langenhorst says the call went out about 12:40 Tuesday afternoon, to a place owned by Milo Olson.

Lagenhorst says when they got there, they found grass, a machine shed, round bales, and fence posts all on fire. They immediately called for help, and the Inwood Fire Department and Canton, South Dakota Fire Departments soon responded. He estimates that 20-25 acres burned. Not only that, but a machine shed, a tractor, and some type of farm implement were destroyed as well.

He says they attacked the fire with every truck they had, as the ground was dry enough that they knew they wouldn’t get stuck. He says they fought it with pumpers, grass rigs, and even a 6×6 provided by the Canton Fire Department.

The cause, he says appears to have been a tree and branch pile fire that got out of control. He says it only takes a minute in dry conditions like this.

There were no injuries to people, pets, or livestock.

He says crews were on scene until about 3:20 PM.

Langenhorst emphasizes that a burning ban is in effect for Lyon County, for the dry conditions and very high temperatures with low humidity. No open burning is allowed in the county until Rock Rapids Fire Chief Ed Reck notifies the State Fire Marshal’s office on behalf of the county fire chiefs, that dangerous conditions no longer exist.

Langenhorst says since the ban was new and hadn’t received a lot of press or attention on the county web site, he doubted charges would be filed in this particular fire.