A mechanical problem with a combine is apparent cause of multiple acres being burned in a corn field in Audrain County yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.
Little Dixie Fire District responded to Highway E and Audrain County 252 just before 3pm where the fire was spreading rapidly to the north and east.
Mutual aid was also requested from Boone County Fire, the Paris Fire Department.
The Missouri Highway Patrol and the Audrain County Sheriff’s Department were also scene assisting with traffic due to smoke blowing over Highway E, limiting visibility.
The fire was on the Prouhet Investments property and being farmed by Dave Hollenberg.
About 70 acres of both standing and cut corn field and 3 acres of beans burnt due to the fire before being put out.
On 09/28/2021 at approximately 1445 hours the Little Dixie Fire District received a dispatch of a large corn field at 17079 Audrain Road 929. Upon arrival approximately 4 to 5 acres of standing corn and brush were found burning. Crews extinguished the fire. The fire was on land owned by Charlene and Jonathan Finck who were not home at the time. Cause of the fire was undetermined at this time. Responded with a brush truck and one tanker along with four personnel. Crews cleared the scene at 1631 hours.
On 09/26/2021 at approximately 1902 hours the Little Dixie Fire District received a dispatched to a combine fire in the 25000 block of Audrain Road 368. The fire was quickly contained with minimum damage to the combine. Cause of the fire was a bad bearing in the beater bar of the combine. Owners were able to repair the bearing and the combine was back in use the next day. Responded with three trucks and ten personnel. The combine was leased to Talley/Robinson Farms. Crews cleared the scene at 2002 hours.