(Editor’s Note: The following excerpt is taken from a post the Big Lake Fire Dept. issued on social media last Saturday).

Trucks are washed, hoses are hanging, and our firefighters are back home with their loved ones tonight — grateful for another safe outcome thanks to strong teamwork and community support.

Today (Saturday) at 8:18 a.m., Big Lake Fire was paged to a report of a brush pile on fire near the transit station. Captain 3 quickly located the column of smoke and determined the fire was coming from the Big Lake Public Works compost site.

Upon arrival, Captain 3 found a two-story pile of leaves and mixed yard debris that had spontaneously combusted near the top. With high winds and a significant fuel load, he immediately requested mutual aid from Monticello Fire and had Big Lake Tower 1 respond as the next truck out of the station. Conditions indicated that the fire could spread rapidly toward the adjoining property of Rite Away Auto Inc., which houses hundreds of scrap vehicles.

With the help of the owners and staff of Rite Away Auto, crews were able to access the lot to slow the spread. Because of heavy fuels on the east side and flames reaching nearly 20 feet, an engine equipped with a deck gun was brought in for a fast, powerful knockdown. Additional units from Monticello and Elk River were requested to shuttle water and provide much-needed manpower to reach difficult areas of the pile.

As the fire grew in size and low-hanging smoke made operations more challenging, Captain 3 requested Becker Fire for manpower and later their ladder truck for additional elevated support. Elk River Fire also responded with their utility truck and LSU trailer to assist with air bottle refills for crews working inside the smoke.

To reach the deep-seated fuels within the pile, an excavator from Brenteson’s was requested to work alongside Public Works loaders, pulling apart the large mass of leaves to allow crews to reach hotspots.

This incident was a reminder that strong partnerships make all the difference. Thanks to coordinated teamwork, quick decision making, and support from multiple agencies, the fire was brought under control and the surrounding area was kept safe.

Zimmerman Fire was requested to standby at the Big Lake Fire Station.

Big Lake Police assisted with traffic control and gaining access to Public Works and Rite Away Auto.

“We want to extend our sincere thanks to: Monticello Fire, Elk River Fire, Becker Fire, Zimmerman Fire, Clear Lake Fire (for assisting Becker during their own emergency), Big Lake Police, CentraCare Ambulance, Big Lake Public Works, Brenteson Co., Rite Away Auto, Big Lake Domino’s, and the thoughtful community members who stopped by with treats for our crews,” said the BLFD post.

“Big Lake—thank you for always standing behind your firefighters. Stay safe, and we’ll be here when you need us.”