BRONSON, Iowa (KTIV) – As recovery continues in Northwest Iowa from Saturday’s field fires, one family witnessed the fire firsthand.
On Saturday. March 28, more than 50 organizations from three states responded to a large field fire in Woodbury County.
Several of these organizations worked throughout the night to assist in emergency operations.
Ruth Smith, a Bronson resident, says she and her family saw the fire burn in their backyard, and before she knew it the field in her backyard was fully engulfed in flames.
“Came out and was looking out the back window and we could see the flames, out there in the field there,” said Smith. “It just, you know, spread so fast.”
Residents from Lawton, Bronson, and Moville had to evacuate their homes for their safety, including members of Smith’s family.
“My daughter and son,” said Smith. “They grabbed some of their stuff and threw it in bags, went down to my in-laws’ house.”
From her house, Smith says she could see her neighbor’s shed catch fire and how she felt throughout the night.
“The emotions are scary when the wind is that crazy and you know the ground is that dry and it spreads really fast,” said Smith.
A common fear for residents like Smith is the fear of running out of water.
“We’re out here and they’re no fire hydrants, so it’s pretty scary,” said Smith.
Derek Stanfield, the Salix fire chief says a portable water site has been set up at Lawton-Bronson High School.
“We are dumping water in these holding tanks and as trucks need water, they come here, we fill them out of the tanks,” he said. “That allows these trucks to get back on the road, get water, get back, so we don’t run out.”
Center now open in Bronson for those impacted by Saturday’s field fire
Woodbury County Emergency Management says a respite center is now open at Lofted Views Event Center, located at 2086 210th St. in Bronson.
Those impacted by the fires are encouraged to seek assistance by visiting the center to meet with American Red Cross case workers.
Management says for concerns about recovery efforts, residents can call (712)-222-4400.
Want to get the latest news and weather from Siouxland’s News Source? Follow these links to download our KTIV News app and our First Alert Weather app.
Copyright 2026 KTIV. All rights reserved.
