Firefighters in Nokomis have been kept busy over the past several days, battling a series of combine fires during harvest.

The Nokomis Area Fire Protection District says there have been at least three separate fires in the past four days — one Friday evening, another Saturday afternoon, and the most recent on Monday afternoon. At least one combine was destroyed, and flames spread to nearby fields, threatening buildings before crews could bring them under control.

Farmers were quick to pitch in, using tillage equipment to help stop the fires from spreading. Their work meant extra fire companies were called in for backup, but ultimately weren’t needed.

Nokomis firefighters say these incidents highlight how dangerous this dry harvest season can be. While winds have generally stayed calm, even a small fire can spread quickly under the right conditions.

The Fire Protection District is reminding farmers to keep equipment clean and well-maintained to reduce the risk of overheating. They also urge keeping a charged fire extinguisher on hand and tillage equipment ready in case a fire does break out. Captain Trevor Braye is working directly with farmers to coordinate that response.

The department also thanked its mutual aid partners, the Witt Fire Department and Fillmore Fire Protection District, who are always ready to assist with combines, field fires, or structure fires.

Meanwhile, residents across the Nokomis Fire District are reminded that Chief Michael Smalley has reinstated a burn ban because of the dry weather. That means no burning of yard waste in Nokomis, Coalton, Wenonah, Ohlman, or surrounding rural areas until further notice.