MINOT — Firefighters successfully extinguished a grass fire that threatened the Minot International Airport Monday afternoon. No flights were impacted, no injuries were recorded, and all structures were protected.
Fire crews were dispatched at about 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 4 after reports of a grassfire in Northeast Minot. Strong winds fueled the fire quickly as it scorched approximately 100 acres. The fire was under control by 6 p.m. Monday evening.
“It grew quickly but thanks to the quick response and help from all responding agencies we were able to avoid any critical damage,” says Battalion Chief Glen Hardy. “Things can really take a hard turn with dry conditions and strong winds like that.”
The cause of the fire is still under investigation says Hardy, adding that any spark can lead to major grass fires if the ground is dry enough. Hardy stresses the importance of knowing the fire index if you plan on any type of outdoor fire as well. Area fire indexes can be found on the ND Response State website.
Minot Fire Department, Minot Rural Fire, Surrey Fire Department, Burlington Fire Department, and Minot Air Force Base Fire Department all assisted in the call. Minot International Operations staff aided in securing the airfield.
Normal airport operations resumed by 6 p.m. at Minot International Airport. Incoming flights were able to use an alternate runaway during the fire.
