Grass fire sends two firefighters to hospital

Chuck Kajer, Managing Editor

Two firefighters were taken to Queen of Peace Hospital Thursday, April 23, due to smoke inhalation and heat exhaustion as the New Prague Fire Department battled a grass fire that started at a farm on 201st Ave. SW, about two miles south of Union Hill.

New Prague Fire Chief Jim Becker said the fire burned about 40 acres of grass and woodland before firefighters controlled the blaze.

The Jordan and Belle Plaine fire departments were called in to assist at the blaze, which for a time threatened a home to the north. Firefighters were initially called out at 4 p.m. and spent about seven hours at the scene.

While the fire covered a large area, New Prague Fire Chief Jim Becker said it could have been much worse.

When we got there the fire had just about reached a path in the woods