The big fire in Iron County is controlled but not out. The forest service thinks somebody set it.
The Forest Services’ Bill Paxton, at the command post in Salem, says the fire has burned 622 acres. Roads, forest service, county, and bulldozed lines have contained the fire. Earlier this afternoon, he estimated the fire is 40% under control because there are still several places burning within that perimeter.
A second fire of 48 acres is burning in Madison County, about seven miles northeast of Fredericktown. It was caused by a spark from a bush hog hitting a rock. A historic schoolhouse, outbuilding and several abandoned vehicles have burned up in that fire.