From Local Sources

A small, side-yard area burned at the Robert Werner property in Jasper on Wednesday.

JASPER — Units of the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department were called out on four fire runs Wednesday.

The first callout, at 12:30 p.m., was to the report of a grass fire at the Robert Werner property at 540 Giesler Road.

Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang said the grass fire was started from a recent fire in a fire pit.

A small, side-yard area that had been newly seeded burned, but the Werners were there with a garden hose to assist firefighters.

Two trucks and 23 firefighters were on the scene approximately 30 minutes.

Then, at 2:31 p.m., there was an alarm activation at the J.H. and Kathleen Munning residence in the 700 block of 19th Street.

Hochgesang said that was chalked up to a faulty detector and there were no issues.

The two trucks activated for the run were able to return to the station. Eighteen firefighters responded to the 10-minute run.

Next, at 4:14 p.m., came the report of a vehicle fire in the 1400 block of Leopold Street.

Hochgesang said smoke came from under the dash of a 1993 Ford Explorer owned by Stephanie Grierson while it was being driven. The resulting fire destroyed the SUV.

Three trucks and 23 firefighters were on the scene for 15 minutes.

Finally, at 9:13 p.m., there was a fire in landscaping at a group home in the 500 block of Skyview Drive. The fire was extinguished by staff using an extinguisher and a garden hose but a tree that was involved was lost, according to the chief.

Two trucks and 18 firefighters were on the scene 20 minutes.

Jasper Volunteer Firefighter Matt Allen ensures the fire is out inside a 1993 Ford Explorer owned by Stephanie Grierson.