Grass fire in Union County spreads to a structure – 1 person treated at the scene

News

February 17th, 2026 by Ric Hanson

(Kent, IA) – Officials with the Creston Fire Department report CFD crews responded late Monday afternoon to a report of a grass fire at the intersection of 242nd and Almond Streets, in Kent. While en route, a caller informed 911 that a structure was also involved, prompting the dispatch of additional resources. A propane deliveryman alerted the resident to the fire and assisted in extinguishing some of it before the CFD arrived.
When the first firefighters reached the scene, they found that most of the shed fire had been knocked down and determined there was primarily a grass fire. The Lenox Iowa Fire Department also responded to provide further assistance. Firefighters ensured the structures were safe and extinguished the burning grass, wood, and debris in the backyard. One individual, who was not a firefighter, received treatment at the scene.

Photo credit: Chuck Spindler (Creston Fire Dept.) via Facebook.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be an unsupervised burn barrel. Crews wrapped-up their assignment after a little more than an hour, and returned to their station. The Union County Sheriff’s Office and Greater Regional Health‘s Medic 2 were on-scene present to provide support until they were no longer needed.