Faribault Fire Department Responds to Grass Fire Friday
At 1:31 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, the Faribault Fire Department and the Rice County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a grass fire with multiple buildings threatened by fire.
A neighbor called in the fire that originated at 3855 Cedar Lake Boulevard. Upon firefighters’ arrival, there was a large wood pile on fire, and the barn, a machine shed and a smaller utility building were starting to burn.
Firefighters prioritized the barn and the spreading grass fire and concentrated resources on these two operations. As more resources arrived, we were able to concentrate on other issues that were arising like a tractor that was starting to smoke and another building with vinyl siding that was melting.
A front-end loader was requested from the Rice County Highway Department to assist with the wood pile and the round bales that were heavily involved and on fire. Firefighters cleared the scene at 3:31 p.m.
The Faribault Fire Department conducted a fire cause investigation along with Rice County Deputies. It was determined that a burn barrel was the source of ignition. Increasing winds blew embers into the dry grass around the building site starting the fire.
Fire Chief Dustin Dienst commented, “Our firefighters did a terrific job of saving structures, and, with the help of Rice County Deputies and the Rice County Highway Department, this large fire was extinguished without any injuries or major loss of property. Burn barrels are illegal and this is one of the reasons why.”
