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Dry harvest conditions in local fields have promted several fire calls in the past week for combines and equipment on fire and subsequent wildfires in fields.
In the photo at right, Luverne firefighters extinguish a smoking combine belonging to Mike Bos Thursday, Sept. 29, at 939 100th Ave. west of Luverne. The combine was unoccupied and the fire was put out quickly.
In the photo above, the Luverne Fire Department was dispatched to 1510 61st St. for a field fire that started in the combine on Tim Fick’s ground in Kanaranzi Township.
According to Luverne Fire Chief Dave Van Batavia, the Fick fire didn’t damage any crops because the wind pushed the flames away the soybeans that were remaining in the field.
Dry bean stalks and residue, along with dusty conditions, are increasing the likelihood of fire from a spark from an engine, overheated bearing, or contact with the exhaust manifold.