CLIVE, Iowa — Clive city officials believe the illegal use of fireworks was to blame for a blaze at Clive Greenbelt Park on Thursday afternoon.
The fire, which began around 4 p.m. on Feb. 29 just west of the park's Porter Shelter, burned through three-quarters of an acre of prairie.
Luckily, no one was injured and the fire did not spread to buildings or woodlands nearby.
“We’re lucky this wasn’t much worse. There are dangerous fire conditions across Iowa right now, and a grass fire can quickly get out of control and spread," Clive Fire Chief Clay Garcia said.
Officials found both used and unused fireworks at the scene, leading them to believe the illegal use of fireworks was the cause. Only sparklers are allowed in Clive.
“Whether or not it was an accident, this fire could have quickly damaged our park and nearby buildings or harmed people,” Garcia said. “Tell your children, friends, and neighbors—never use illegal fireworks in Clive, and exercise extreme caution with open flames and sparks.”
The fire began when most of Iowa was under a Red Flag Warning, which are issued when there are wind gusts of 30+ mph and humidity levels less than 25%.
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