FALLS CITY – The Falls City Volunteer Fire Department reports recent fires at the city tree pile and Legion Park.

A press release says firefighters suspect a spark from the tree pile blew over to a leaf pile, which started a fire that obstructed Highway 73 with heavy smoke.

Falls City police and sheriff’s deputies controlled traffic, while Falls City Rural watered down the east side of the highway to contain the burn.

The city street department was also involved, using front end loaders to place dirt on top and divide the tree pile.

Fifteen firefighters from both departments were on the scene from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Firefighters responded to a leaf pile fire at Legion Park on April 6.

The fire started in leaves and bushes along the north side of the park where a baseball team was having practice. They told the fire department two people had walked over to the area moments before it went up in flames.