Two fires were reported in Marion County on Saturday. A fire in rural Iuka Saturday afternoon resulted in the burning of 20 acres of CRP land, according to reports from Marion County.
Firemen were called just after 12:45 Saturday afternoon to property in the 6600 block of Oak Road in rural Iuka. The cause of the fire was believed to have been a four-wheeler driving through the south end of the property, catching some grass on fire. The fire was brought under control before causing damage to a home, oil well and a tank battery. Firemen from the Iuka, Kell and Mt. Vernon departments assisted with the fire. Firemen were at the scene for about 90 minutes.
Another fire was reported Saturday when two garages were found fully involved in flames in Wamac. The Centralia Fire Protection District responded just after 6:30 Saturday morning. Fire officials said five people were living in the two structures at 1400 South Cherry, three in one of the structures and two in the other. All were able to escape safely, however one person was treated for a minor facial injury. The names of the occupants were not immediately released. The State Fire Marshal’s Office was called in to investigate the cause of the fire.
The region has experienced dry conditions in recent days, with Wayne County and surrounding counties in Abnormally Dry conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor. Hamilton County issued a Burn Ban this past Monday until further notice due to the dry conditions. The current weather forecast indicates some rain chances in the area starting Monday night and Tuesday, with smaller chances later this week.