EVFD Called Out to Battle Grass Fire North of Bartlett

Members of the Elgin Volunteer Fire Department were one of eleven fire departments that responded to a grass fire last Thursday in rural Bartlett.

According to Fire Chief Jim Kittelson, a field located approximately 20 miles west of Elgin and four miles north of Highway 70 was the site of a control burn which got out of control and quickly spread in the windy conditions. The Elgin department was called to assist and responded shortly after 11:30 am. Two grass rigs and a tanker plus crew were provided by Elgin with their crew preventing the fire from jumping Highway 70.

“Nearly one-half a mile of Highway 70 was lined by fire equipment,” said Kittelson about the total number of crew and equipment responding.

Approximately 1,000 acres burned in the fire before it was extinguished around 5 p.m.

A reminder to everyone planning a burn, permits are required for every type of burn in the Elgin Fire District. They may be obtained from Kittelson by calling him at 402-741-1858 (day) or after 8 p.m. at 402-843-5833.