SPEARFISH, SD – Spearfish firefighters knocked down a small grassfire Tuesday that originated in a garbage can near an outdoor hot tub with decking.
The Spearfish Fire Department was dispatched to Creekside Loop at approximately 10:25 a.m. for the report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found approximately one-tenth of an acre on fire, with what looked like a shed also on fire. As they knocked down the fire, they discovered that the structure was in fact an outdoor hot tub with wooden decking around it, along with a couch that was adjacent to the decking, as well as a garbage can. All of these items caught fire and were a total loss.
Spearfish Fire Chief Travis Ladson explained that once the fire was knocked down, they discovered the cause of the fire was oily rags which had been thrown in the garbage can and combusted in the warm temperature.
“Thank goodness it was calm today,” Chief Ladson said Tuesday, describing that the weather assisted in keeping the small grass fire contained. In addition, neighbors had arrived immediately with hoses and buckets to keep the fire at bay before the fire engine and water tender arrived on scene. Firefighters created a wet line around the scene after the initial knockdown of the fire to ensure all hot spots were out.
Ladson added that in addition to the engine, water tender, and command vehicle on scene, there was an additional engine, water tender, brush truck, and rescue vehicle on standby, ready to assist if need be.
Ladson reminded everyone to read labels on any chemical products like paint and stain to make sure they are aware how to properly store and dispose of the items and any material used in the cleanup of such items, like rags.
“The temperatures are wonderful to enjoy right now, but do keep the fire danger in mind at all times,” he said.
