Firefighter hurt, house burned in Greenwood grass fire

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/DAVE HUGHES The home of Chris Deppner and family on Norwood Street in north Greenwood was the only house destroyed Thursday by a raging grass fire that burned more than 300 acres and was started, according to police, by teens playing with fireworks. 7/29/11

Photo by Dave Hughes

Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/DAVE HUGHES The home of Chris Deppner and family on Norwood Street in north Greenwood was the only house destroyed Thursday by a raging grass fire that burned more than 300 acres and was started, according to police, by teens playing with fireworks. 7/29/11

By The Associated Press

Saturday, July 30, 2011

GREENWOOD — A grass fire that destroyed one house and forced some residents to leave their homes continued to burn at nearby Fort Chaffee.

Greenwood Fire Chief Stewart Bryan said late Friday the blaze had been controlled on the grounds of the military installation, but his department was in place in case the flames moved toward nearby residences.

Bryan says fireworks started the blaze Thursday afternoon. Firefighters brought the fire under control, but it rekindled and burned a house just inside the city limits. Bryan says another house was damaged.

Bryan says a firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was treated at a hospital but is OK. There haven't been additional reports of injuries.

Bryan says Arkansas Forestry Commission crews also are helping Fort Chaffee personnel fight the fire.