The Ames Fire Department responded to an accidental grass fire that spread to a nearby home in west Ames Monday at approximately 1:15 p.m.

A press release from the city of Ames stated that one resident in the house suffered “burns and smoke inhalation” and was transported to Mary Greeley Medical Center in an ambulance. The Red Cross is aiding other family members who will be displaced due to the fire.

A special weather statement was issued at 2:33 p.m. Monday for central Iowa, due to strong winds up to 40 mph leading to “elevated fire danger.”

According to the statement, “Any fires that ignite will spread rapidly and be difficult to control.”

Deputy Fire Chief Karen Tapper told the Daily that wind conditions played a role in spreading the fire. 

“Wind conditions are always a problem, especially when with grass fires, as we’ve seen out in California, so it was a big part of it,” Tapper said.

Tapper said fire crews were “wrapping up,” and began to leave the scene around 4 p.m.

“When we have dry conditions like this, always use caution when doing anything outside with a flame,” Tapper said.