Dry conditions across Illinois continue to offer farmers ample opportunities to get the crop out of the field, however, it also comes with its dangers. With rising reports of field and combine fires across the state, Josie Rudolphi with the University of Illinois Extension says it’s important to remain on high alert and be prepared.
“Certainly watching for field fires, making sure that we have fire extinguishers; not just in the combine but in the combine support vehicles,” says Rudolphi. “So, making sure that the auger wagons, grain carts, tractor trailers, and even service trucks not only have fire extinguishers but that they have been tested and that we have first aid kits as well as other emergency response available.”
The most recent drought monitor, released October 10th, showed two-thirds of the state experiencing abnormally dry to drought conditions.
