Hot Valentine’s Day serves as reminder

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to call in before burning Conservation Reserve Program fields, crop fields, and timber brush following an active day for first responders on Valentine’s Day.

Just before 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 14, the fire calls started for Henry County first responders as dispatch received reports of an out-of-control grass fire in the 2800 block of Quacker Avenue. New London Fire and Rescue responded along with assistance from Danville Fire.

The fire was quickly handled, and Danville Fire was released from the scene shortly after arrival.

Only a short time later, New London Fire and Rescue were called to assist Mt. Pleasant Fire Department at a structure fire in the 600 block of North Lincoln Street in Mt. Pleasant just before 3 p.m. NLFD was canceled before arrival.

Neighbors reported that the fire on North Lincoln Street filled the neighborhood with billows of black smoke as MPFD worked swiftly to extinguish the flames. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

According to a GoFundMe organized by Holly Conlee and Leea Brown, the fire occurred at the house of John and Angie Haley. The Haleys were not living in their home at the time of the fire as it was under repair.

Additional fires responded to by crews last Wednesday include a field fire in the 2700 Block of Franklin Avenue and another field fire in the 1100 block of 208th Street.

After a long day of working alongside MPFD, NLFD, Salem Fired Department and Danville Fire Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Officer released a statement urging residents to call before setting to the spring work of burning their field and timber.

These calls should be directed to Henry County Dispatch at (3190 385-2712 before burning and once completed.

“Our dispatchers will record the location of your burn and your contact information,” the statement says. “If someone calls in an uncontrolled fire near your location, this saves us from sending out valuable fire department resources.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com