OTTAWA — Rural firefighters battled 100-degree temperatures and a large grass fire east of Ottawa Tuesday evening. Several departments were dispatched to help fight the wind-whipped blaze that started near Nebraska Terrace and spread along Osborne Road to Nebraska Road north of K-68. Fifteen firefighters had to be treated for heat ailments and one was hospitalized, County Fire Marshal Alan Radcliffe said. Sheriff Jeff Curry said the fire apparently started from errant fireworks. The fire shows the necessity of being careful with fireworks during this hot, dry period, he said.
The fire destroyed several acres of grass, 15 acres of wheat stubble replanted to soybeans, and several large hay bales. The initial estimate of the loss was $4,000.
Tuesday, July 3, 6 p.m.
