(Montgomery County, Iowa) – Arcing power lines caused by strong winds are suspected of sparking a grass fire this (Tuesday) afternoon, in Montgomery County. According to the Red Oak Fire Department, a MidAmerican Energy crew saw a grass fire at around 1:12-p.m. in the area of 1867 State Highway 48 (Parker Hanifan), and called 9-1-11.

Fire crews from Red Oak, Stanton and Elliott were dispatched to the scene. The first arriving fire crews reported small fire along the south fence line. Fire was ignited by overhead power lines arcing due to very windy conditions. Power fluctuations were noted throughout Red Oak.