Sparks From Equipment Likely Cause Of Fire
A fire that destroyed a barn and truck, damaged grain bin and burned land was likely caused by sparks from cutting equipment.
Fairbury Rural Fire Department (FRFD) was paged to a report of a fully involved barn fire just south of 718 Road and Highway 15. A second page came out shortly after indicating there was equipment that was also on fire. Jansen fire was also requested as part of an automatic mutual aid agreement.
Firefighters arrived to find the barn had already collapsed and was nearly consumed by fire. There was a pickup nearby that was fully engulfed in fire. Fire also spreading through the field and road ditch along Highway 15.
Crews worked to extinguish the vehicle while second arriving crews worked with the landowner to contain the field and ditch fire. Fire crews worked to cool hot spots around the barn and grain bins near the barn. There was also a skid steer that suffered moderate damage from radiated heat. Crews used water to cool the skid steer to prevent further damage.
Two engines, four water tenders, three grass rigs and an estimated 20 firefighters were on scene to contain and control the fire. Traffic control was provided by Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Norris Public Power was requested to assist with the electrical utilities as there was a live electrical service wire that had dropped due to the fire.
There were no injuries to firefighters or any members of the public. The barn and the pickup were a total loss. There was also minor damage to the controls for the grain bins and grain dryer located adjacent to the barn.
An investigation by FRFD personnel found that cutting/grinding equipment was used earlier in the day prior to the owners leaving. It is suspected that sparks from that equipment smoldered, unnoticed, inside the barn and when the owners left, the materials ignited.
Fairbury Fire Chief Judd Stewart pointed out, “Fire departments respond to an average of 3,396 structure fires initiated by hot work (welding, cutting, grinding) annually, causing roughly 19 deaths, 120 injuries, and $292 million in property damage. Nearly half of those happen in commercial or non-home properties. It’s a good reminder when you are using equipment that can cause sparks, that you have a bucket of water or a suitable fire extinguisher available in case a fire starts. Also, inspect the work area closely before leaving, to ensure there are no hot spots.”
