By Ryan Gueningsman
Managing Editor

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, MN – A Minnesota Department of Natural Resources helicopter helped local fire crews extinguish a large grass fire west of Delano Easter Sunday just before 4 p.m. in Franklin Township.

Upon arrival on scene in the 5000-block of Calder Avenue, a Wright County Sheriff’s Office deputy spoke with homeowner Martin Wandersee, who advised that he and family members had been trapshooting into the swamp on the south side of the property when the swamp grass caught fire.

Due to the wind conditions, Wandersee was unable to control the fire and called 911, according to the sheriff’s office.

Delano and Montrose fire departments responded and began firefighting operations. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was also contacted due to the winds, conditions, terrain, and size of the fire.

The DNR Helitac firefighting helicopter crew, based in Princeton, responded and assisted with firefighting operations until the fire was extinguished. The DNR also responded and took over fire investigation operations, according to the sheriff’s office.

No real property was damaged and no injuries were sustained, according to the sheriff’s office.

The DNR estimated the fire burned about 16 acres of grass between 5656 Calder Avenue SE, Dague Avenue SE, and Highway 12 SE.