LOOMIS, Neb. — Firefighters from the Loomis Volunteer Fire Department responded to a combine and field fire Friday approximately eight miles north of Loomis near the Loomis-Overton blacktop.
Loomis Assistant Fire Chief Tom Thompson said the fire started when a bearing on a combine overheated and ignited crop residue. The operator noticed flames coming from the rear of the machine and was able to move the combine into a harvested bean field before quickly exiting the equipment. Thompson said the combine sustained only minor damage.
The blaze spread into the field, burning about 100 acres in a narrow path stretching roughly a half-mile. Strong winds contributed to the fire’s rapid movement. Thompson said mutual aid assistance was provided by the Bertrand, Holdrege and Overton fire departments, along with several local farmers who used discs to help contain the fire.
As harvest continues across the area, Thompson encouraged producers to remain vigilant, especially on windy days. He advised farmers to keep fire extinguishers in their combines, have tillage equipment readily available and be prepared to respond quickly if a fire breaks out.
