Fall Fire Season

It seems that harvest fires have begun to be a problem again this year.  We had a number of them in 2007 as well.  My brother's combine burned yesterday.  It was a total loss.  The accident was probably not preventable because it appeared to be started by a burst hydraulic hose.  Some of these fires can be prevented by keeping machinery clean and in good repair.  Prompt response can be essential as well.  Having tillage equipment available to make firebreaks can be useful.  Also, don't leave trash fires unattended.  A field fire was started in 2007 by someone burning trash.