(Creston, Iowa) – Officials with the Creston Fire Department report crews responded to a spreading grass fire Monday afternoon. The fire on 197^th Street near Tamage Hill, was reported at around 3:10-p.m. The CFD says because the flames were spreading, they called for mutual aid from the Afton and Murray Volunteer Fire Departments. Despite their efforts, the fire moved into a salvage yard, engulfing vehicles and threatening nearby structures.

Fire officials said on social media, “Conditions continue to be dry and windy. The CFD has responded to several grass fires in the last week, so please use extreme caution with outdoor burning.” (Photos from the Creston Fire Dept. Facebook page)

They suggested also:

• Keep fires away from anything that can burn, like buildings, shrubs, and tents.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and closely supervise children and pets.
• Have a way to put out the fire, like a bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or shovel.
• Check for fire weather watches and Red Flag Warnings. Avoid starting fires in windy conditions.