Discarded Cigarette Gets Blame For Field Fire Near Larchwood

Larchwood, Iowa — Firefighters extinguished a burning field on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, near Larchwood.

According to Larchwood Fire Chief Tony De Smet, at about 2:00 p.m., the Larchwood Fire Department was called to the report of a field fire near 140th Street and Beech Avenue, four miles due west of Larchwood on A18.

The chief says the fire department saw cornstalks burning as they approached the scene. He says the flames were aided by the gusty winds on Tuesday.

He tells us they were able to extinguish the fire with water and the assistance of three farmers who disked firebreaks.

De Smet says no injuries were reported.

He says the cause of the fire appeared to be a dropped or tossed cigarette. He says they found where the fire crept up through the dry grass to get to the field.

Chief De Smet reports that about 40 acres of stubble burned.

He says the firefighters who responded were on the scene for 45 minutes to an hour.

(file photo)

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