Sheldon, Iowa — The fire chief says it was the first fire of its kind that he’s ever fought.
According to Sheldon Fire Chief Brad Hindt, at about 1:40 p.m., the Sheldon Fire Company was called to the report of a culvert fire near 3149 Nest Avenue, near JARD, Inc., just north of the RiseFest grounds, about two-thirds of a mile north of Fareway.
When they got there, the chief says the fire department saw flames from the east side of the culvert and billowing black smoke. He says they discovered that the culvert had been lined with a plastic liner, and that was the main thing on fire, but there was some ditch grass on fire as well.
Hindt says no injuries were reported.
He says the cause of the fire appeared to be a discarded cigarette.
Chief Hindt reports that the damage was only to the culvert liner.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for between half an hour and 45 minutes.
Fire officials remind you that while we have had some rain recently, the grass remains dry. They ask you to please dispose of smoking materials properly, as they can easily start a fire if flicked out of a window.
KIWA Staff Photo
