Controlled burn requires response
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By Jeff Snyder
MOUNT AYR, Iowa —The Mount Ayr Fire Department responded to an emergency call at around 9 p.m. Sunday at 106 W. Elm St., located at the north end of the city.
Early reports stated that nearby residents heard several explosions prompting the initial 911 calls. The department responded with multiple pieces of equipment and nearly a dozen members of the volunteer force, including Fire Chief Mike Wimer.
Upon arrival, it was determined that the fire was the result of a planned “controlled burn” of an out building and a debris pile located on the property. It is unclear whether the burn was reported to the fire department prior to its start, as is required in such circumstances, but the department responded as if it was an unplanned event.
The bright blaze lit up the chilly first of February night sky as the firefighters worked to control the burn. An old bank barn was too close for comfort so the firefighters doused the structure to prevent the fire from jumping. To the west was a smaller burn pile threatening an old walnut tree that towered over the fire at its base. The firefighters managed to save the tree by directing their hoses to the trunk of the tree while simultaneously dragging debris away from under the old tree’s foundation.
The department remained on scene until the fire was deemed under control and no longer a spread risk. It is unclear what caused the alleged explosion noises, but Assistant Fire Chief Ed Rotert stated that it may have been a propane tank that was stored inside the building that was unknown to the owners.
The property is owned by Lance and Haley Quall. The couple recently acquired the property and are in the midst of renovating the 1970’s vintage home. The property consists of a three-bedroom brick ranch style home along with several outbuildings including the two-story barn located at the back edge of the yard.
As an interesting side observation, this property is adjacent to two long time firefighters homes in the area, Mike Wik and Ed Rotert. These two veteran firefighters are literally across the street from the fire location. Department personnel, under the watchful eye of Chief Wimer, made sure that the fires were unable to spread beyond their control. The fires were allowed to burn, thereby accomplishing the original intent.
Inspection of the property Monday morning revealed just how close the blaze was to the adjacent barn and to the back of the main house. There appeared to be no ill effects to appurtenant structures thanks to the department’s actions.
Smoke could still be seen slowly rising from the ashes, but little else remained for inspection.
