SALINE COUNTY— A controlled burn became out of control, damaging various structures in Saline County over the weekend.
The fire occurred Saturday at a community garden in Assaria, according to Saline County Undersheriff Brent Melander. The garden needed to be cleaned and prepared for upcoming planting season.
The keeper of the garden received permission to burn from the City of Assaria Fire Chief. Multiple garden hoses were on hand, and a large area was watered down before the fire was started. However, the fire became out of control and burned three total structures along with their contents including a 10’x12’ wooden storage shed with tin roof; Two rototillers and 1 weed eater, various rakes, shovels and other hand tools; 12’x16’ open park shelter structure and an 8’10’ small shed. The total loss was around $8,100. No injuries were reported.