High winds fan flames across 300 acres Monday

Rural fire departments battled a grass fire that torched about 300 acres on Monday.

Bourbon County Fire District No. 3 Chief Delwin Mumbower said Tuesday several rural firefighters fought a grass fire that started just before 4 p.m. and ran into the early evening hours.

The blaze burned about 300 acres of private pasture land north of Bronson near 35th Street and Tomahawk Road.

"It was a rekindle that came up from a brush pile that was burned last Thursday," Mumbower said. "That wind came up yesterday and blew some embers out of that brush pile."

Mumbower said a call was made for mutual aid and the Redfield and Scott Township fire departments responded with trucks and personnel.

Gusty winds played a role in the fire spreading, as well as the length of time it took for firefighters to contain it. Mumbower said wind speeds during the fire were in the 20-30 mph range.

"Where we were at, winds were at least gusting at 30 mph," he said.

The fire was primarily contained to pasture land and did burn an oil line in an area near an intersection at 45th Street and Unique Road. Mumbower said a minimal amount of oil was spilled and an oil company was able to get the line operational and pumping again soon after the damage occurred.

"That's why it took some extra trucks," Mumbower said.

Mumbower said fortunately, the fire did not spread to any nearby structures. The fire was extinguished before it reached a nearby house.

"There was one residence in the area, the fire was burning toward the north," he said. "We had stationed trucks there and were able to stop it. It was about 100 yards from a residence."

Several oil tank batteries in the vicinity of the fire were not damaged. Mumbower said fire trucks were stationed at various points outside the fire area to prevent spreading.

"There was a set of batteries at 35th and Tomahawk not too far from the fire and two batteries north of the fire where it was headed," Mumbower said.

Mumbower said fire departments cleared the scene about 7:15 p.m. Monday. A total of 15 trucks and 25 personnel responded to the blaze.

"It took longer due to the wind," he said. "We managed to get it done and with no one hurt and no equipment torn up -- it was a good day. When everyone goes home safe like that, it was a good day."