Grass fire breaks out in Palmer

PALMER — A grass fire broke out Thursday afternoon in Palmer, according to emergency officials.

Mat-Su Borough Fire Department deputy director Ken Barkley said the fire near Seagull Drive had set three trees on fire and was threatening a nearby house.

"It's moving pretty quick," Barkley said at around 4:45 p.m.

About thirty minutes later, the fire was contained — if not under fully control — because portions of the trees were still burning, said Central Mat-Su Fire Department District 1 Chief James Steele. The house was untouched by flames.

The blaze started as a small burn pile and consumed about a half-acre of wildlands surrounded by nearby houses. Division of Forestry firefighters felled three trees which had become partially ignited.

"A couple of the trees had started torching," he said.

The fire spread rapidly, and at one point started sending off embers that lit off additional grass fires, Steele said.

The fire's rapid growth underscored the need for care after a largely snowless winter, Steele said.

The fire was declared out by around 6:20 p.m.

"Remind folks to be very careful for burning," Steele said. "This is a burn that got out of control, and it only takes a second for them to get out of control. It's so dry. That's the reason it took off."

Contact Brian O'Connor at (907) 352-2270 or email brian.oconnor@frontiersman.com