Grass fire ignites along I-35E in Eagan
EAGAN, MINNESOTA - Around 12:06 PM on Monday, July 10, 2023, several calls came into the Dakota County Dispatch for a grass fire at the bottom of the on-ramp from Cliff Road and northbound I-35E in Eagan, Minnesota. Dakota County Operators were also getting reports of a possible grass fire at northbound I-35E and Blackhawk Road. Dakota County Dispatch was not initially able to confirm if the calls were related or if there were separate fires. Minnesota State Patrol and Eagan Engine 1 would later confirm this is the only fire they could find.
At 12:13 PM, Eagan Utility 1 arrived at the scene and confirmed an active grass fire that was estimated to be about 100x20 feet in size and that it was slowly burning. Both Eagan Ladder 4 and Eagan Engine 1 arrived on the scene at 12:15, about two minutes later. Fire crews were able to quickly get the fire contained through the use of brush brooms and a line from one of the rigs. No additional units were needed to assist with putting the grass fire out. Minnesota State Patrol did also arrive at the scene of the fire. Fire crews were able to put the fire out by 12:26 PM with all units clear of the scene by 12:33 PM. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
Just a reminder, the Twin Cities region is still under a Moderate to Severe Drought despite the little bit of rain we have seen in the last week and are expected to see later today, so please be mindful when using open flame, doing work that creates sparks, or throwing away cigarettes.
