KDSN RADIO News
Field and Grass fires ignite during Red Flag Warning Thursday
Portsmouth firefighters as well as multiple Shelby County Fire Departments, Avoca Fire, and departments from Harrison County fought a massive field fire late Thursday afternoon. The fire was located in the area of 1100th Street between Fir and Elmwood roads. Portsmouth Fire Chief Mike Leinen said crews fought a blaze that was 3 miles long and about ½ mile wide. The cause of the fire is unknown. The fire departments were assisted by at least 26 farmers who used their tractors and discs to cover over 400 acres of ground in less than 30 minutes, which greatly aided the fire departments, preventing the fire from spreading even more. Leinen estimates around 200 acres burned, with less than half being standing crops.
At about the same time, a separate fire required multiple fire department in Harrison County. And in Montgomery County, firefighters were battling a field fire just west of Henderson. The Montgomery County Emergency Management Agency posted photo and video on social media showing just how fast and rapid a fire can grow. EMA Coordinator Brian Hamman said the photos also show the impact and how beneficial it is, to have area farmers who are willing to help out with their own equipment.
