Danforth farmers prevent widespread field damage during fire

IROQUOIS COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A field fire in Danforth on Friday damaged around 20 acres total, including 10 acres of soybeans that still needed to be harvested.

According to Jason Brown, Danforth Fire Chief, the fire appeared to be an electrical fire, which may have been started by the combine. Firefighters responded to reports of a fire around 12:40 p.m. and were able to clear the scene between 2-3 p.m.

The fire occurred around 2300 North and 100 East in the northwest part of Danforth.

Brown said nearby farmers may have been able stop the fire from spreading. They used “tillage tools” to turn the dirt. This created a barrier where the fire could not burn, stopping it from causing more damage and helping the first responders put it out.

Seven fire departments responded to extinguish the fire. According to Brown, no injuries were reported.

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