Rural Metro Crews Douse Grass Fire on North Applegate Road near Murphy
A green pasture mixed with dry grass allowed for an unattended open burn to escape control in the Murphy area yesterday.
On Tuesday at 12:58 p.m., Rural Metro Fire Department responded to the grass fire in the 9300-block of North Applegate Road.
Fanned by typical afternoon winds and a lack of on-site capabilities to maintain containment, the fire spread to approximately 1/4-acre. There was no structural threat, but the occupant requested assistance from Rural Metro to extinguish the blaze.
Rural Metro officials said spring land-clearing during open burn season comes with a list of reminders to ensure burning projects remain safe and successful.
Construct a vegetation-free ring down to dirt around the burn pile to lessen the chance for escape. Have a reliable water source on site. Have a shovel or other tools on site to take action in case of spread. Carry a charged cell phone to call 9-1-1 quickly if needed. Burn only in the morning to avoid afternoon winds. Stay in attendance of the burn. Fully extinguish ash with water, then check for heat with bare hands.
Posted on 5/7/25 6:29AM by Sam Marsh
