Hay baler and field fire prompts high response from fire crews

A mechanical issue caused a baler to catch fire igniting a few acres of land and some hay bales last night just off Highway 47 and Township Road 530,  north of the Village in the Marwayne fire district.

Marwayne Fire and Dewberry Fire were toned out at 8:10 p.m. to tackle the growing field fire. County #9-1 was also advised of the incident and attended.

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“First arriving was the County Engine, along with the landowner, who got the fire stopped and worked quickly to contain the fire in the baler,”  County Fire Chief Kirk Hughes said. “Firefighters mopped up any hot spots and checked for hidden extension caused by the blowing winds.”

Marwayne Deputy Chief Morgan Wood declared the fire extinguished at 9:13 p.m.

Chief Hughes told Lakeland Connect baler fires and field fires are not uncommon during harvest, but the dryness mixed with the wind last night prompted a high response from their Fire Service.

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“Thankfully, the farmer had a fire extinguisher handy and put the baler out, thus saving it,” Chief Hughes said. “The field fire spread quickly, but another farmer came by and our first engine arrived on-scene together they tackled the fire and cut the head of the fire off. Secondary crews arrived and did mop-up operations.”

All crews have since returned to the hall and are back in service.

Arthur@lakelandconnect.thedev.ca