Drought and wind causing concern over fire danger

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – Dry weather is causing a higher fire risk in the Midwest, which is having an impact on harvest season and the pheasant hunting opener. The high winds are less than ideal in tandem with these conditions. Firefighters in South Dakota are reminding the public to be careful and take precautions to prevent fires.

“People just think of things around the house that can be of a concern, but outdoors the time it takes for something to get out of hand, it sure doesn’t take very long,” described South Dakota Firefighters Association President Charlie Kludt.

To some, it’s hard to believe that just a few months ago farmers had to worry about excessive rain and Midwest communities were impacted by flash flooding. Now, rain is desperately needed.

“Everything is dry all over the place,” Kludt said. “It’s dry all over the state. The highway ditches, of course, and then the fields everywhere with harvest being underway.”

Kludt said that harvest time is usually a higher risk season for fires already, but drought conditions have proved to be dangerous this time around. He explained that firefighters can be superstitious, so he reluctantly said that eastern South Dakota has had a quiet year so far despite the risk.

“If something were to catch on fire, this wind can flare it up even several days later,” Kludt explained. “Farmers are being extra cautious. They’re bringing out their equipment and having it sit in the fields, having water tenders ready.”

It doesn’t take much to spark a fire in these conditions. Kludt listed campfires not fully put out, chains dragging on the road sending sparks to the ditch or very hot farming equipment are small things that can result in big fires.

Kludt says that anyone going out pheasant hunting should also continue to be cautious.

“People are out and about traveling into places where there’s tall grass,” said Kludt. “Whether it’s hot exhaust off those vehicles can be a concern. People need to be careful where they’re parking when they go out and do their hunting in those fields, carrying an extra amount of water or something that can help them if they were to accidentally start a fire.”

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