A large hay bale fire was reported on 350th Street, nine miles southwest of Rock Valley Sunday. The Rock Valley Fire Department responded and when they arrived, requested mutual aid from other fire departments for water and manpower due to the strong winds and large amount of hay bales that were involved.
Mutual Aid response from Iowa Fire Departments included Alton, Boyden, Granville, Hawarden, Hospers, Hull, Ireton, Maurice, Orange City, Sheldon, Inwood, Larchwood, Doon, Alvord, Akron, and Le Mars. South Dakota Fire Departments responding were Fairview, Canton, Beresford, Hudson, Alcester, Worthing, and Harrisburg. The Rock Valley Ambulance, Rock Valley Police Department, and Sioux County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.
Rock Valley Fire Chief Brent Eshuis is thankful for those who responded to requests for assistance for heavy equipment to help battle the fire. The equipment that was used to assist included payloaders, tractors with disks, excavators, and telehandlers. Chief Eshuis also thanks Pump and Pack and Sunshine Foods, both of Rock Valley, for food and water donations. Chief Eshuis estimated that approximately 200,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish about 1,000 bales as well as ensuring that no nearby cattle died as a result of the fire.
Eshuis said he loves living in a community where people come together and things just get done. He said volunteers and private individuals made and donated over 400 sandwiches in 20 minutes to help feed the responders. He says it is amazing how our communities come together to support each other.
