Update 9:00 PM
Another grass fire today, this one burning more than 240 acres of government protected land. It started around 1:00 PM about 4 miles south of Hitterdal , Minnesota in a waterfowl production area. It's believed to be caused by a cigarette.
It's not the way Mike Bjorgan wanted to wake up from a nap. He says he looked out the window and saw the sky was pink and filled with smoke. Area fire crews rushed in and saved Bjorgan's horses, chickens and farm.
Clay County Sheriff, Bill Bergquist, says, "We can thank God that no buildings were taken here, but locally, we've had some where many houses have been taken."
Crews purposely burn areas by roads, power poles or buildings to try and keep the fire contained.
Bergquist says, "Just back burning to get them together." He adds that the whole thing, probably happened from someone making a bad decision.
"If I had to guess, I would say it was a cigarette, so it goes to show what happens just by simply throwing out a cigarette," says Bergquist.
With the dry weather, Sheriff Bergquist says people NEED to be more careful. And as crews finished up containing the fire, Mike Bjorgan says he'll sit back and be thankful his farm is safe.
Investigators haven't confirmed a cause, but say they have a strong feeling that it's cigarette related. Highway 32 is back open tonight after being shut down for a short period of time this afternoon.
Original
Fire officials are battling a brush fire in Clay County. One farm was saved by firefighters.The fire started at around 1:00 about 4 miles south of Hitterdal.
The fire is burning towards the north, and has so far burned about 180 acres.Fire officials say it doesn't appear to be a threat to any additional structures. We'll have updates as we receive them. More info to come. . . .
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