(Le Mars) — The Le Mars Fire and Rescue Department responded to a tree that caught on fire Sunday afternoon. The fire was reported at 27354 150th Street at about 3:45 p.m. The tree was a 109 foot tall Cottonwood with a trunk that was more than six feet in diameter, and believed to be over a hundred years old. The tree was hollowed out inside and the fire spread through the tree, much like a chimney. Upon arrival, fire officials could see flames and smoke shooting out of the tree through holes located 50 feet high. Lazer thermo imaging indicated the fire had spread through most of the tree. Fire officials were concerned the tree would collapse on to a nearby metal machine shed that contained stored hay bales. Fire officials requested the assistance of D-K Tree Service of Le Mars to help cut down the tree, before it had a chance to fall. It is believed the Cottonwood tree caught on fire from a trash fire located near the base of the tree. Fire officials were also assisted at the scene by North west Rural Electric Cooperative. Fire officials were on the scene for nearly four hours.
