Grass fire believed to be started by discarded cigarette

NORFOLK, Neb. -- A fire department in northeast Nebraska was tasked with putting out a grass fire Friday afternoon. 

Norfolk Fire Division said that around 5:46 p.m., crews were dispatched to the intersection of South Highway 81 and South Airport Road for the grass fire. 

When the first apparatus arrived, they found a grass fire, that was on the western edge of Highway 81 and north of South Airport Road, burning through a pasture heading towards large trees and houses. 

Firefighters were able to quickly get access to the field and put out the fire. They were able to stop the fire before it got to any trees or houses.

There were no injuries reported. 

NFD said they believe the cause of the fire was a cigarette thrown from a vehicle. 

NFD said there were five grass rigs, one fire engine, two water tankers, one ambulance, and Norfolk Fire’s Drone Team on scene along with approximately 20 firefighters.

They were assisted by Nebraska State Patrol and Madison Fire Department.