Dry and windy conditions kept area fire departments and emergency personnel busy late last week, with multiple fires breaking out Thursday. The second blaze proved to be particularly challenging.
The North Marshall Fire Department (NMFD) was first called to a field fire north of Britton Thursday afternoon. Within 40 minutes, crews were dispatched again—this time to a much larger fire west of town at around 2:20 p.m., near Highway 10 and 412th Avenue, where several acres of grass were burning.
NMFD Chief Nate Dinger said the fire started when a tree pile that had burned days earlier reignited. Strong winds, with gusts exceeding 25 mph, made containment efforts difficult.
Mutual aid was called in from multiple departments, including Hecla, Claremont, and Columbia fire departments, as well as Marshall County Emergency Management, Sunset Colony, Sand Lake Refuge, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office. Farmers and producers also assisted, using tractors and equipment to help contain the fire. Those who provided assistance included Haden Malpert, Cortney Dinger, Ryan Hastings, Mike Beck, and Ehern Grupe.
In total, nearly 30 pieces of equipment—including fire engines, water trucks, Rangers, pickups, tractors, and discs—were used to battle the flames. Crews remained on scene for more than six hours.
To prevent further flare-ups, firefighters conducted controlled burns on nearby CRP land and trees that night. Personnel continued monitoring the area for several days to extinguish hotspots.
Preliminary mapping indicates approximately 1,215 acres burned, primarily grass and cattails. State fire officials plan to conduct a flyover to confirm the final number, Dinger said.
Despite the fire’s size, no structures were damaged, and no injuries were reported. Dinger expressed gratitude to all who assisted, including Kieth and Patty Niesen, who allowed six fire departments to stage operations from their property. He also thanked those who provided food and beverages to firefighters.
Dinger urged residents to remain cautious, noting that fire conditions remain a concern. He advised checking previously burned piles, even those ignited weeks ago, to ensure they are fully extinguished.
