Spring Fires on the Rise

The past few weeks have seen a rise in the number of fires in the KDWA listening area. Strong winds and dry conditions have contributed to grass fires scorching 11 acres in Farmington, while ditch fires were reported near Stillwater, Woodbury and Cottage Grove. On Friday Evening a porch fire was noted in rural Cottage Grove, and just minutes later a brush fire, which may have been intentionally started, sent Hastings fire crews south to Ravenna Township. Before dawn on Monday morning,the Cottage Grove Fire Department was aided by Woodbury and St. Paul Park Departments in a house fire that did considerable damage to the twinhome in the 6600 block of 99th Street South. Fire crews on that call contained the flames, but the home is considered a total loss and there is damage to 2 neighboring homes as well. Everyone was able to escape the home, and the State Fire Marshall is investigating the cause.