By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post

Rural fire crews were called to a large grass fire northwest of Liebenthal Tuesday afternoon that burned nearly 80 acres of grass.

According to Rush County Sheriff Ward Corsair, Rush County fire officials received the reported a grass fire at 230th and Avenue C at 4:30 p.m.

Fire crews from Liebenthal and LaCrosse responded to the fire. Rush County crews also requested help from Ellis County crews at 4:30 p.m.

Corsair said the fire was started by a baler that caught fire. Approximately 80 acres of grassland and 10 hays bales were burnt in the fire, according to Ellis County Fire Chief Darin Myers. The baler also was damaged.

Myers said 12 volunteer firefighters from Ellis County responded to the scene along with two engines, one tanker and a mini pumper from fire companies 5, 8 and 9.

Crews were on scene until just after 6 p.m.