Clay County Battles Afternoon Wildfires

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Fire crews from numerous small towns in Clay County spent the afternoon fighting wildfires that rapidly spread.

Crews were called out around 1:45 this afternoon to an area south of Glyndon near Downer.

A shop started on fire and quickly spread, fueled by dry conditions and high winds.

Authorities closed Highway 9 between County Road 12 and County Road 10 because of the heavy smoke.

Sgt. Mark Empting, Clay County Sheriff’s Office: “With the smoke going across the highway we all decided to close Highway 9 down temporarily just for the protection of not only the motorists but also the firefighters working along the road.”

Empting says everyone should wait until the area gets some rain before doing any kind of burning or starting a campfire or bonfire.