Firefighters battle the grass fire on Vala’s property in Gretna

Firefighters from Gretna and other area communities extinguished a veld fire Sunday on land belonging to Vala’s Pumpkin Patch and Apple Orchard.

Several area fire departments worked together Sunday to extinguish a field fire in Gretna, near Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. The Gretna Fire Department was joined by several units from surrounding cities. The fire could be seen from a long distance as smoke rolled over Interstate 80.

MELISSA MATCZAK

According to a Sarpy County 911 dispatcher, a brush fire was reported at the pumpkin patch at 12102 S. 180th St. at 1:52 p.m. Firefighters had the blaze under control and were battling the blaze shortly after 3 p.m.

Alina Macias, director of safety and attractions at the pumpkin patch, said the fire occurred on Vala farmland. The fire could be seen from a long distance as smoke rolled over Interstate 80.

“There were no problems for our guests,” Macias said. “If there was anyone near the fire, we were able to remove them.”

Several fire departments responded to the scene, including Papillion, Springfield and Bellevue. The Omaha Fire Department sent a tanker of water.

A member of the Papillion Fire Department said all units in the department were released from the scene before 3:30 p.m. No injuries were immediately reported.

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