Mankato Fire Department Responds to Two Calls on Monday

Firefighters extinguish car fire at high school and contain pasture blaze sparked by train

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Mankato Volunteer Fire Department responded to two separate calls on Monday, including a car fire in the Rock Hills Junior-Senior High School parking lot and a pasture fire north of R Road near 130 Road caused by sparks from a passing train. Both incidents were quickly contained with minimal damage reported.

Why it matters

The Mankato Fire Department's swift response and effective containment of these incidents highlight the importance of a well-trained and equipped local fire service, especially in rural areas where resources can be more limited. Preventing property damage and potential injuries is crucial for community safety.

The details

In the first call at 1:11 p.m., firefighters extinguished a car fire in the Rock Hills Junior-Senior High School parking lot after a rag had fallen on the exhaust manifold and ignited. There was no damage to the vehicle. The second call at 1:29 p.m. was for a fire in a pasture and field north of R Road near 130 Road, caused by sparks from a passing train. The Mankato Volunteer Fire Department, along with mutual aid from the Burr Oak Volunteer Fire Department, were able to contain the blaze to less than 20 acres with minimal damage to fences and one hay bale.

  • The first call came in at 1:11 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2026.
  • The second call came in at 1:29 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2026.
  • Crews were back in the station by 5:30 p.m.

The players

Brian Shulda

Chief of the Mankato Volunteer Fire Department.

Mankato Volunteer Fire Department

The local fire department that responded to both incidents.

Burr Oak Volunteer Fire Department

The mutual aid fire department that assisted in containing the pasture fire.

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The takeaway

The Mankato Fire Department's quick action and coordination with neighboring fire departments demonstrates the importance of a well-prepared local emergency response team, especially in rural areas where resources can be more limited. Their ability to swiftly contain both incidents with minimal damage underscores the value of a vigilant and capable fire service for community safety.