By Patrick Tepoorten

Two Harris firefighters were taken to the hospital on July 15 as a result of battling a quickly growing brush fire along Galaxy Ave., in Harris at around 4:45 p.m.

Chad Axling and John Erickson were chasing the fire across a field, according to Fire Chief Will Lacina, when swirling winds caused them to be inundated with smoke. As well, with temperatures in the high-90s that day, dehydration contributed to their condition.

ìThey were working a little too hard,î said Lacina.

The fire, which Lacina described as not very big, quickly grew with so much available dry fuel, ultimately entering a wooded area. Lacina reported that, at times, flames in the wooded area were as high as 30 feet.

The bulk of the fire was extinguished on July 15, with the help of the Rush City and North Branch departments. A persistent peat bog area kept the Rush City department on watch overnight to prevent hot spots from restarting. That area was cleared the following morning.

Axling and Erickson remained at the hospital for roughly 4 to 5 hours, where they were treated with IVs and allowed to cool down.