Several Acres of Corn, Soybeans Destroyed in Plainfield Fire

PLAINFIELD, IL — Crops caught on fire just before noon Tuesday near the intersection of County Line and Wheeler roads.

According to the Plainfield Fire Protection District, a Plainfield farmer called 911 to report that as he was harvesting his soybean field he could see flames from a brush fire near the intersection. The wind-driven fire burned numerous acres of soybeans and corn and also caught his combine on fire.

Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze while also protecting barns and a house that were in the path of the fire. Fire crews were able to prevent the blaze from spreading. There were no injuries. The fire was extinguished at around 1:53 p.m.

The fall season poses a higher risk for brush fires as field vegetation dries up. To help prevent brush fires, the PFPD has offered the following tips:

• Don’t burn landscape waste (in areas where that is allowed) on windy, dry days.

• Always dispose of cigarettes/cigars properly.

• Make sure recreational fires, barbecue grills, candles and torches are completely extinguished.

• Keep grass and weeds cut and clear of tall dry grassy areas.

• Trim trees and shrubs of dead or low hanging branches.

• Do not stack firewood next to your home or any other structure.

• Do not allow leaves or needles to build up on roofs or in gutters.

• Do not have any open flames on days that the National Weather Service issues a red flag warning for the area.

For more information, call the Plainfield Fire Protection District at 815-436- 5335.

photos courtesy of the Plainfield Fire Protection District