FOLEY — As cooler temperatures settle in across Lincoln County, fire officials are urging residents to use caution when burning leaves, debris, or wood after a “controlled” burn in Foley spread to an abandoned mobile home Oct. 24. The blaze serves as a reminder of how quickly a small fire can become dangerous, even when it appears under control.

Firefighters from Lincoln County Fire Protection District #1 were dispatched around 1:27 p.m. to the Country Hills Estates Mobile Home Park at Country Way Lane and Moody Lane. According to Assistant Chief and Training Coordinator Robert Shramek, the first unit arrived at 1:38 p.m., and the fire was brought under control within about 15 minutes. Crews stayed on scene for roughly an hour to ensure all hot spots were extinguished.

The fire began when a worker for the park’s owners was dismantling an abandoned trailer being used as a utility shed. The worker had a nearby bonfire burning debris when heat and flames spread to the structure.

“The worker was advised by both us and the Sheriff’s Deputy that he was not allowed to burn that material,” Shramek said. “We also let him know that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) could issue substantial fines for burning those types of materials.”

The DNR allows only the burning of natural wood products, excluding any lumber or building material treated with preservatives or paint. Shramek added an important reminder for residents using outdoor burns or wood stoves this fall.

“If an individual starts a fire, they are responsible if that fire spreads to neighboring property or a structure,” he said. “The ashes and coals from a bonfire can stay hot for several days, so anyone discarding ashes should make sure to spray water on them to ensure they’re completely out.”

No injuries were reported, and the fire was ruled accidental. Shramek noted District #1 responds to about 10–15 abandoned structure fires each year, including calls for mutual aid.