Combine fires are a much too common sight throughout Indiana and the Midwestern corn belt during the fall harvest season. Sometimes these equipment fires spread to the surrounding fields and cause property damage and threaten or even take lives. Dry weather makes harvest-related fires even more likely. This site provides resources that can be used by Extension staff, media, EMA personnel, and farm organizations in reminding farmers and others of the importance of preventing combine and field fires when possible, and safe response should a fire happen.
Current Conditions
The Indiana County Burn Ban map shows counties in which local officials have declared an open burning ban, indicating conditions are conducive to fires getting out-of-control. If your county is under a burn ban, it is a good idea to take extra precautions during harvest operations.
The U.S. Drought Monitor is updated weekly and indicates the level of drought conditions, if any. The Monitor is a another tool that farmers can use to evaluate the likelihood of combine or field fires. However, abnormally dry or drought conditions are not required for fires to occur!
Articles and Factsheets
INdiana PREPared News Article: "Hot, dry weather leads to combine fires: take preventive steps now!"
Fact Sheet - Crop Harvest Fire Prevention Checklist
Fact Sheet - Preventing and Responding to Combine Fires
Infographic - Farm Fire Risks and Prevention
Checklist - Preventing Field Fires
Videos
INPREPared PREPclip: Fire Preparedness and Safety
PREPclip Short: Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
PREPclip Short: What is the Fire Triangle?
Slide Presentation
Preventing and Responding to Combine and Field Fires (PDF)
If you would like a PowerPoint version of this presentation, including video and audio plus presenter notes, contact ejsheldo@purdue.edu.
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