The Idaho Falls Fire Department put out its first fireworks-related fire of the season Wednesday.
Idaho Falls Police spokeswoman Kerry Hammon said firefighters were dispatched at approximately 10:40 p.m. to a field fire near the intersection of North Eve Drive and North Adam Drive. The reporting person stated flames were 6 to 8 feet tall, were approaching a tree and had extended to a fence and shed, according to a news release.
When firefighters arrived the fire had burned about 500 square feet of grass on the canal bank and had destroyed the contents of a small tin shed. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control within several minutes of arriving on the scene, which kept it from a nearby mobile home.
Hammon confirmed the fire was caused by fireworks, which caused about $2,000 worth of damages.
The fire department is stressing that while fireworks are fun displays of patriotism, they must be used with care.