Tractor Catches Fire Inside Peotone Barn, All Animals Safe: Manhattan Fire District

PEOTONE, IL — No people or animals were injured when a tractor caught fire inside a barn in Peotone Tuesday, Manhattan Fire Protection District officials said Wednesday.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Manhattan Fire Protection District was dispatched to the 4000 block of Church Road in Peotone for a reported structure fire. Crews found a working fire in a large horse barn/arena.

Firefighters discovered a tractor on fire inside the barn near approximately 100 hay bales. Due to the significant fuel load posed by the hay and the size of the structure, a box alarm was requested, bringing additional resources and water tenders to the scene in this rural, non-hydranted area.

Firefighters acted quickly to extinguish the tractor fire before it could extend to the surrounding hay or compromise the entire structure. Their rapid intervention prevented further fire spread and significant property loss, fire officials said. No animals were lost as a result of the incident.

Mutual aid assistance was provided by the Frankfort Fire,New Lenox, Monee, Beecher, Manteno, Crete Township Fire Protection District’s and the Crete Fire Department. To ensure continued emergency coverage within the district during the incident, Lockport Township, Crete, and Orland Fire Fire Districts covered Station 83, while Mokena and Elwood Fire Districts covered Station 81.

The fire remains under investigation at this time.

The Manhattan Fire Protection District reminds all barn owners to routinely inspect electrical outlets, wiring, extension cords, lighting fixtures, and farm equipment. Agricultural buildings are particularly vulnerable to fire due to dust accumulation, equipment storage, and the presence of combustible materials such as hay. The District offers a free online Barn Safety Assessment available on its website, and barn owners may also request an in-person safety inspection.

To schedule a barn safety check, please contact Fire Marshal Dave Kolosh at the Manhattan Fire Protection District.