Prairie State Wire

As drought conditions persist in the Midwest, Illinois state officials are urging farmers and agricultural workers to exercise increased caution during this year’s harvest season. The Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal have highlighted that dry fields can significantly increase the risk of fires.

“During drought conditions, a single spark can quickly ignite a field,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “We want to remind farmers to treat every dry field as a potential fire hazard and to take the necessary precautions to prioritize their own safety – as well as their neighbors and first responders – during this busy season.”

Illinois State Fire Marshal Michele Pankow noted, “Dry vegetation in fields and wildland areas creates high fuel loads that can ignite quickly and spread rapidly, putting farmers, nearby homes, and surrounding property at risk. By following these important safety tips, we can reduce the risk of accidental fires while protecting our farmers, communities, and first responders.”

The agencies recommend daily equipment inspections, cleaning machinery to prevent debris buildup, lubricating moving parts to avoid overheating, checking wiring for damage, and monitoring tires for wear. Farmers are also encouraged to harvest during cooler times with less wind when possible and ensure they have fire extinguishers both in their vehicle cabs and accessible from the ground. Keeping a tractor with a disk on hand is advised so it can be used quickly if a fire begins.

Other recommendations include scheduling regular breaks to avoid fatigue—since long hours can impact decision-making—and calling 911 immediately if any fire starts.

Safety measures extend beyond farm operations as well. The agencies advise against discarding cigarettes outdoors or dragging trailer chains along roads where sparks could ignite dry grass. Residents are urged to verify local policies on outdoor burning since many communities have enacted burn bans due to ongoing dry weather.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2022, agriculture remains one of the most hazardous sectors in America with 417 reported fatalities that year. Harvest time is considered particularly risky due to increased activity levels across farms statewide.

National Farm Safety and Health Week is being observed from September 21–27 this year under the theme “Safety First. Avoid the Worst.” The initiative aims to raise awareness about agricultural hazards through education efforts.