Close Brush With Grassfire

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Part of I-29 was shut down because of large grass fires near Grand Forks.

The travel advisory has been lifted but a travel alert is still in effect.
KVRR’s Bianca Buono was at the scene and joins us live.

Bianca?

TJ and Alison, the windy conditions didn’t make it easy for firefighters today.
The initial fire started from a chain dragging from a semi-truck that sparked flames.

“If I lost it I would be at a total loss.”
 
Shay Lewis’s house has been standing for at least 55 years… just yards away from being destroyed.
 
“As I was coming around this bend, it had started up again.”
 
When she found out about the fire, her first reaction wasn’t to run away, it was to run home.
 
“I’ve got two dogs, I have two cats, I mean this is my pride.”
 
Authorities responded around 1 this afternoon and worked for the rest of the day, putting out hot spots near I-29.
 
“The farther south I came it just seemed like it was burning more and more through the south. We got on scene and I immediately started calling for mutual aid from our rural fire departments around the area.”
 
The interstate is reopened but conditions are still dangerous.
 
“Right now it’s very dangerous right now with these winds especially for the high-profile vehicles.”
 
But after hours of work crews were able to successfully put out all flames and save several homes like Lewis’s.
 
“I would do anything in my power to save this house if I was the only one standing.”
 
There was an accident on I-29 due to the fire.

Eight people were taken to Altru hospital.

Seven patients have been admitted and one patient has been discharged.

Because we are still under a red flag warning, officials want to remind you that burning of any kind is prohibited.

Reporting live, Bianca Buono, KVRR news.