OTTUMWA — Area firefighters responded to two fires over the weekend of February 23, 2024.

The first was a grass fire that occurred on February 23 in an empty field near the Gray Eagle Wildlife Reserve area. Both the Wapello County Rural Fire Department and the Ottumwa Fire Department responded. The fire was contained within three hours and no injuries were reported. The Ottumwa Fire Department would like to remind people in the area to be cautious with any fires over the next few weeks due to dry weather and high winds.

The second fire occurred Sunday, February 25, at around 10:21 p.m. The Ottumwa Fire Department was called to 706 West Fourth Street for a reported fire. The residence was fully involved upon arrival and siding damage was done to a neighboring house. The fire was under control by 4:00 a.m. The Ottumwa Fire Department asks citizens to stay clear of this area due to the instability of remaining structures and hot spots. Hot spots are being checked regularly. No injuries were reported and nobody was present at the location upon arrival. This fire remains under investigation.