A simple task to burn weeds got out of control, spreading to 90
acres and destroying farm equipment.
About 1:50 p.m. on June 24, five Elbert County fire agencies
responded to a report of a grassfire at 46000 County Road 53. Kiowa
Fire, Rattlesnake Fire, Elizabeth Fire, Agate Fire and Big Sandy
Fire departments worked to contain the fire. The Elbert County
Sheriff's Department also responded to the scene as did
Sable-Altura Fire Department, South Metro Fire-Rescue, Bennett Fire
Department and Strasburg Fire Department.
The fire spread to several haystacks, destroying 1,500 small
bales and 150 large bales. There were no injuries, but the fire
also destroyed a camper, boat, hay-bale wagon, tool shed and a
barn.
By 4:45 the wild fire was 90 percent contained as fire crews
continued to work. Four engines, six brush trucks, five tenders, 30
firefighters and an estimated 7,600 gallons of water were needed to
contain the fire. Elbert County Road and Bridge crews brought water
supplies to refill fire apparatuses.
