SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Dry weather is creating a higher risk of fire in the Midwest, impacting the harvest season and the start of pheasant hunting.

The strong winds combined with these conditions are less than ideal. Fire officials in South Dakota are reminding the public to be careful and take precautions to prevent fires.

“People just think about things around the house that can cause concern, but other than the time it takes for something to get out of control, it certainly doesn't take long,” described Charlie Kludt, president of the South Dakota Firefighters Association.

It's hard for some to believe that just a few months ago, farmers were worried about excessive rainfall and communities across the Midwest were experiencing flash flooding. Rain is urgently needed now.

“Everything is dry everywhere,” said Kludt. “It’s dry across the state. Of course the highway ditches and then everywhere the fields where harvesting is taking place.”

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

“If something burns, this wind can cause it to flare up again several days later,” explains Kludt. “Farmers are particularly careful. They take out their equipment, put it in the fields and have water tanks ready.”

Under these conditions, it doesn't take much to start a fire. Kludt cited campfires that weren't fully extinguished, chains dragging on the road that throw sparks into the ditch, or very hot agricultural equipment as small things that can lead to large fires.

Anyone who goes pheasant hunting still needs to be careful, says Kludt.

“People are out and about and driving to places where there is tall grass,” Kludt said. “Whether there is hot exhaust from these vehicles can be a problem. People need to be careful where they park when they go out and hunt. “These fields carry an extra amount of water or something that can help them if they accidentally start a fire.”

Copyright 2024 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.