Just before noon today, September 27, 2016, a Plainfield farmer called 9-1-1 to advise that as he was harvesting his soybean field he could see flames from a brush fire near the intersection of County Line Road and Wheeler Road. The wind driven fire burned numerous acres of soybeans and corn and also caught his combine on fire before getting extinguished at 1:53 pm. At 12:24 pm the fire response was upgraded to a full still alarm, which brings in additional help from nearby fire departments and fire districts. At 12:52 pm the response was upgraded to a box alarm bringing in more additional help. Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire while also protecting barns and a house that were in the path of the wind driven fire. Firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to the barns and house and there were no injuries. Assisting the Plainfield Fire Protection District with fighting the fire were Lockport, Troy, Minooka, Oswego and Channahon Fire Protection Districts. Assisting the Plainfield Fire Protection District with station coverage for additional calls were the Bolingbrook and Romeoville Fire Departments.
The fall season poses a higher risk for brush fires as field vegetation dries up. To help prevent brush fires 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, barbeque 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 our area. For more information please call the Plainfield Fire Protection District at 815-436-5335.