Grass Fire Destroys Building

A grass fire in rural Faribault today toppled one building, damaged two others and burned multiple acres.

At 1:31 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025b the Faribault Fire Department and Rice County Sheriff Deputies were dispatched to a report of a grass fire with multiple buildings threatened by the flames.

Dustin Dienst, Fire Chief, says a neighbor called in the blaze at 3855 Cedar Lake Boulevard.

Upon arrival firefighters saw a large wood pile on fire, the barn, a machine shed and a smaller utility building were starting to burn.

Dienst says they prioritized the barn and the spreading grass fire and concentrated their resources on those two operations.  As more resources arrived on scene they were able to concentrate on the other issues arising like a tractor that was starting to smoke and another building with vinyl siding melting.

A front-end loader was requested from the Rice County Highway Department to assist with the wood pile and round bales that were heavily involved and on fire.

Firefighters cleared the scene at 3:31 p.m.

The Faribault Fire Department conducted a investigation to determine how the fire started along with Rice County Deputies and it was determined a burn barrel was the source of ignition.  Increasing winds blew embers into the dry grass around the building site starting the fire.

Dienst commented, "Our firefighters did a terrific job of saving structures, and, with the help of Rice County Deputies and the Rice County Highway Department this large fire was extinguished without any injuries or major loss of property.  Burn barrels are illegal and this is one of the reasons why."

In addition to the damage to buildings approximately 8 acres of grass were burned.

During a recent KDHL AM Minnesota program Dienst emphasized it was grass fire season and reminded listeners burn barrels are illegal in Minnesota.