BLUNT, (KCCR) — The grassland fire danger across Hughes County has been elevated this spring and keeping rural fire departments busy. While controlled burns are a needed agricultural tool, burning trash in barrels has been the leading cause of grass and field fires. The latest was a fire Tuesday around 10:30 am inside the Town of Blunt. Hughes County Sheriff Patrick Callahan says embers from a burn barrel ignited dry grass and gusty west winds accelerated the fire’s growth. The fire was pushed inside of 20 yards from a home. The fire nearly surrounded the home and come within inches of the structure. The fire danger in Hughes County was in the Very High category, triggering a burn ban. County ordinances prohibit burning under National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings or when the Grassland Fire Danger Index is rated at Very High or Extreme. Callahan says the point of such bans is to keep people and property safe. Anyone planning controlled burns should report them to Central South Dakota Communications, regardless of size by calling 605-773-7410.
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