MITCHELL, Neb. — The Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department responded Monday afternoon to a grass fire north of Mitchell that was quickly brought under control before it could spread further.

According to the department, crews were dispatched at approximately 1:15 p.m. to a report of a grass fire on SB Road just off Highway 29. The fire started when exhaust from a road grader sparked dry vegetation along an irrigation ditch, allowing flames to spread into a nearby pasture.

Fire officials said the equipment operator’s quick actions helped prevent the fire from growing. The operator used the grader to blade around the fire, limiting its spread until firefighters arrived.

Mitchell Volunteer Fire Department responded with three trucks and 10 personnel. Crews were able to contain and extinguish the fire without reported injuries or damage to structures.