gaylordhub.com

Just in time! The Gaylord Fire Department received its grass rig on Tuesday, October 3rd. Four days later, the F350 was put to use as Gaylord firefighters provided mutual aid to a 75-acre grass fire in Jessenland Township. According to Gaylord Fire Chief Ron Otto, the new rig is specially designed to fight grass and field fires. Because of the muddy terrain, it was one of few vehicles able to reach the Jessenland blaze, Otto explained. The Gaylord Fire Department purchased the 1990 grass rig from the Shakopee Fire Department for $12,000. According to Otto, a DNR grant is being sought to add some equipment to the truck. Otto is pictured above on the right. Also pictured is first assistant fire chief Ian Sing.

A $2,500 reward is being offered by the Minnesota Chapter of Arson Investigators for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons suspected in starting a 75 acre grass fire Saturday in Jessenland Township. The fire was about two miles north of Henderson.

Eight firefighters from the Gaylord Fire Department, along with firefighters from Henderson, Le Sueur, Arlington, Green Isle, Belle Plaine, New Prague, Norwood Young America and Hamburg battled the blaze. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife also assisted at the scene while the Le Sueur Ambulance Service was on standby.

Gaylord Fire Chief Ron Otto said his department had purchased a grass rig, which arrived last week. This was the first time it was used and was one of the few vehicles that could reach the scene of the fire, Otto explained. It was one of the worst grass fires the Gaylord firefighters have responded to, according to Otto.

According to Henderson’s assistant fire chief “Orangy” Lawrence, the burned area included approximately 75-acres of swamp, grass, and brush. Approximately 90% of this area was Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land, Lawrence explained. The fire came within 75-yards of bean fields but no homes were close to the fire, he said. The blaze was also stopped before it reached any woodland.

The Henderson Fire Department was providing mutual aid to Belle Plaine’s department when it was called to the Jessenland blaze at approximately 8:00 p.m. Saturday.

According to Lawrence, gusty winds were a “big time” factor. He said firemen had to stay ahead and use back burning techniques because “the wind was pushing it hard.”

Firemen were on the scene until approximately 3:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Lawrence said his fire department returned to the scene at 6:00 a.m. Sunday to check for “hot spots.”

Lawrence praised the other fire departments for their assistance. “Everybody did an excellent job,” he said. “Our department gives a heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us out.”

Gaylord’s Fire Department also brought a pumper that was on standby in Henderson in case of another emergency.

Anyone with information may contact the Minnesota Chapter of Arson Investigators at 1-800-723-2020 or the Sibley County Sheriff’s Office at 1-888-880-4567.

Firefighters from Henderson, Norwood Young America and New Prague utilized all terrain vehicles to “get to the hot spots,” Otto said.