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Crews Battle Fire In Cornfield In NW Minn.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – All the recent dry weather is great for those of us who like to enjoy the outdoors, but it's creating a greater risk for grass fires all throughout the state.

Authorities in northwestern Minnesota said about 200 acres have burned Thursday in a swampy area near Swanville, which is just south and west of Little Falls. Long Prairie Fire Chief Jim Kraemer said the fire started when a farmer was using a stock chopper and hit a rock. It created a spark, and a fire started in a cornfield. Windy conditions spread the fire to a swampy area.

Kraemer said his own fire department and officials with the Minnesota DNR assisted in fighting the fire with ground vehicles.

Air tankers were also brought in to help with several air drops. Fire crews were on the scene for at least five hours. Officials said Thursday night the blaze is contained and crews are cleaning up the scene.

Kraemer said one house was in danger during the fire fight, but it was not damaged. One firefighter suffered a minor injury, but there were no significant injuries.

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