George, Iowa — A large pile of cornstalks was destroyed in a fire on Friday, December 20, 2024, near George.
According to George Fire Assistant Chief Josh Eben, at about 11:15 a.m., the George Fire Department was called to the report of a bale fire at 3710 200th Street, two miles west, a mile north, and another mile west of George.
The chief says the fire department saw the big pile of cornstalks smoldering as they approached the scene. He says they loaded up the smoldering ground-up stalks and spread them out in a nearby field.
Eben says no injuries were reported.
The George firefighters were assisted by the Rock Rapids Fire Department.
He says the cause of the fire appeared to be spontaneous combustion. He says the core had been burning for a long time and finally made it to the outside
Assistant Chief Eben reports that the damage was limited to the cornstalks.
He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for about three hours. The George EMS (GEMS) also responded to the scene.
