(Des Moines, IA) -- Fire this week in a remote part of Water Works Park burned an estimated 30 acres of land. The call came in Monday and crews fought the fire more more than 24-hours in a wooded area near 63rd Street and the Raccoon River. The fire burned power lines and a railroad bridge.
Des Moines Fire Lieutenant Rick Thomas says the lack of access was a major challenge and fighting the fire proved to be a group effort involving Des Moines, Norwalk, and North Warren Fire Departments, along with tree cutting contractors, Des Moines Water Works staff, and Mid-American Energy.
He says the location of the fire was about a half-mile from easy street access. A tanker truck was able to get close enough to allow gators and other equipment to access and haul water to active fire spots. He says equipment was brought in to build paths to improve access to the fire.
Lt. Thomas says it was one of the most challenging outdoor fires he's seen during his career, due to the lack of access the windy conditions.