House Fire Leads to Large Field Fire South of Winthrop

A house fire led to a large field fire south of Winthrop on Thursday afternoon.

The Manchester Fire Department says they were on the scene of a field fire near Masonville at 250th Street and Buchanan-Delaware Avenue providing mutual aid when the call came in to assist Independence, Quasqueton and Winthrop fire departments with the house and field fire near Winthrop. 

The Independence Fire Department says they were also en route to another fire at the time – to assist Quasqueton Fire with a combine fire near the intersection of 295th Street/Quonset Avenue – when they were called to the house and field fire. Quasqueton Fire Department got the combine fire under control while the Independence Fire Department units diverted to the house fire.

The Independence Fire Department says when units arrived on the scene at 2672 Racine Avenue south of Winthrop, they found a two-story house with heavy flames showing and a large field fire starting due to the house fire. Along with the Manchester Fire Department, several other local fire departments and agencies were called in to assist with the house fire and field fire. 

The owner of the house wasn’t home at the time of the fire, but arrived on scene along with fire crews. 

No injuries were reported. The home is a total loss and the owner’s personal vehicle sustained some heat damage from the fire as well. 

Manchester Fire Chief Kevin Graybill says several area farmers with discs and other machinery helped contain both of the field fires they responded to, which was greatly appreciated.

information courtesy of Independence & Manchester Fire Departments; photos courtesy of Independence Fire Department