Grass fire causes minimal damage

By Ethan Nahté

A grass fire broke out Monday at the former residence of Dwayne Miller, located at Bronco Lane and the intersection of Polk County 733. The log cabin sits atop a hill overlooking Mena Feed & Supply to the south. ACCI Restoration & Resources is north, adjacent to the property.

The fire is believed to have begun by a blade striking a hard object, either a rock or another piece of metal, while the property was being mowed. The dry grass and a consistent 6 mph southwest breeze fueled the flames, which scorched a large patch of area, away from the cabin.

Several emergency vehicles, including the Mena Fire Department, along with the volunteer fire departments from Potter and Wickes, helped contain the fire with the usage of brush trucks and mini-pumpers, shovels and rakes before it spread beyond the open grassy area and into the tree line dividing the property from ACCI. Other local law enforcement, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Southwest EMS were also on hand to assist.

Matters could have been much worse, as the riding mower had just been filled with fuel. The flames were put out before any major damage occurred to the mower, which could have resulted in personal injury.

Although a grass fire may not appear to be much, considering the weather conditions, dry grass and proximity to businesses, including Ouachita Pellet Fuels just north of the event, it would not have taken much to spread.

Despite the below-freezing temperatures the region is expecting for lows most of this week, conditions will be dry and windy. Any purposely set fires should be done with extreme caution and supervised. According to the US Forest Service, Polk and adjacent counties are at low wildfire danger while the northwest quadrant of the state is at moderate risk.

About Author