3 different combine fires reported in Nokomis

NOKOMIS, Ill. (WAND) - Three different combine fires were reported in Nokomis over the last several days.

The Nokomis Area Fire Protection District responded to combine fires on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon and Monday afternoon.

Firefighters extinguished the combine fires resulting in at least one total loss of the vehicle. The combine fires have spread to adjacent vegetative areas and have threatened buildings.

Farmers have helped NAFPD in keeping the fires from spreading through the use of tillage equipment.

NAFPD has a mutual aid response network with Witt Fire Department and Fillmore Fire Protection District in an auto-aid framework. In the case of structure fires, all three departments can respond to fires involving combines, vegetation and/or structures.

This harvest season is especially dry and that may lead to situations where a small fire can grow quickly.

NAFPD thanks our mutual aid partners, farmers and the general public in helping to quickly report and respond to any fires in this harvest season. Farmers are reminded to keep equipment in top operating condition including pulleys, bearings and belts on any piece of harvesting equipment. Keeping a fully charged fire extinguisher available can help lessen fire spread (if it can be done safely), and keeping equipment as clean as possible will help keep anything from overheating and limit the fuel load to a minimum should a fire start.

Captain Trevor Braye is coordinating with farmers who are willing to participate in a readiness initiative. His contact number is available upon request or farmers can private message the Nokomis Area Fire Protection District at their Facebook Page to contact Captain Braye.

Residents who reside in the Nokomis Area Fire Protection District are reminded that Chief Michael Smalley has reinstituted the burn ban because of the extremely dry conditions. This applies to all burning including yard waste in the City of Nokomis, Villages of Coalton, Wenonah and Ohlman or property in rural areas.

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