Fourth of July weekend keeps Watertown Fire Rescue busy

July 5, 2021
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–Watertown Fire Rescue had a busy weekend, as a mixture of fireworks and hot, dry weather was just the right recipe for elevated fire conditions.

Late Friday evening, firefighters were called to a dumpster fire behind the My Place Motel on 8th Avenue Southeast.

A dumpster was fully engulfed in fire when crews arrived. They had the fire under control in short order, and were on the scene for about 30 minutes.

Crews were also dispatched this weekend to brush fires in the 800-block of 26th Avenue Northwest, in the 1000-block of 13th Street Southwest, and another at the corner of Kemp Avenue and 9th Street West.

All were contained, with no injuries. All were started by careless use of fireworks.

According to the police dispatch log, the Watertown Police Department reponded to more than 20 fireworks-related complaint calls on Sunday.