A fire that spread from a controlled burn caused a half million dollars in damage to a Grinnell business Tuesday.
The Grinnell Fire Department said it happened just before 1:00 p.m. at Morrison Repair, 255 420th Avenue. Investigators said Jasper Construction was burning items at the rear of the property and strong winds spread the fire to the business.
Fire crews found heavy black smoke when the arrived. An outbuilding with tractors and other farm equipment, a semi-trailer full of tires, and several piles of tires were all burning. The fire had surrounded a second building containing waste and tires.
Firefighters were able to save the second building, and used several thousands of gallons of water and foam to put out the fire in the remaining building and the tires.
According to a news release, the business's owner, Ron Morrison, suffered burns to his face while trying to get tractors out of the first building. He was taken to the hospital by private vehicle and his condition is unknown.
No other injuries have been reported.