Firefighter injured in Iowa wildfire

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Spring Run fire
Fire near Spring Run in Iowa. Photo by Milford Fire and Rescue.

A firefighter was seriously injured while fighting a wildfire in northern Iowa on Wednesday.

Below are excerpts from Explore Okoboji:

It took firefighters from seven area fire departments as well as a firefighting unit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service several hours to extinguish a massive fire late Wednesday afternoon and evening in the Spring Run complex east of Arnolds Park. Spirit Lake Fire Chief Pat Daly tells KUOO news his department was the first to arrive on the scene.

Daly says the blaze became so large and wind driven that it actually jumped a road.

One firefighter was seriously injured battling the blaze. He’s been identified as Jim Nygaard of the Superior Fire Department. Nygaard was transported by ambulance to Lakes Regional Healthcare and was transferred by air to a burn unit at a Twin Cities hospital. Information on his condition and extent of injuries wasn’t immediately available. KUOO news has learned a tractor Nygaard was using to help put out the blaze caught on fire.

Spring Run fire
Spring Run Fire. Photo by Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.