The Jamestown Fire Department was called out twice Tuesday to put out grass fires caused by fireworks.
At 12:15 p.m., the fire department responded to the 1300 block of Sixth Avenue Northwest. Firefighters spent about 20 minutes putting out a small grass fire on a slope. Deputy Fire Chief Jerry Kainz said the department uses "a mini-pumper so we can get off road" for grass fires where no hydrant is available.
Kainz said firefighters brought two spent fireworks back to the hall.
At 4:47 p.m. another 911 call sent 29 Jamestown firefighters and the mini-pumper to a grass fire on a slope in the area of 1511 Highway 281 North. Battalion Chief Gordie Christianson said fireworks caused this fire as well. It caused minimal damage, he said. Firefighters were on the scene for nearly an hour.
"Contrary to popular belief, green grass will burn," Christianson said.
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Kainz said, as with any local fire, these are "all-calls," meaning all volunteer firefighters respond.
Both men were resigned to spending the next week responding to fireworks-caused fires. As of Tuesday three had been reported.
"When we leave the scene now, we just say 'see you later,'" Kainz said. "It's the season."
