Field Fires Keep Firefighters Busy Near Fairmont

FAIRMONT, Minn. (AP) -- Fire departments in southern Minnesota had their hands full as gusty winds whipped up fires through dried corn and soybean fields.

At least a half-dozen field fires were reported early Thursday afternoon in Martin County.

Acting Fairmont Fire Chief Doug Borchardt tells the Sentinel that the dry conditions, the windy day and the farmers out in the field "made for a perfect storm."

One blaze destroyed two chicken coops and a grain bin. But Borchardt says firefighters were able to keep the house from going up in flames.

Smoke from the fires was so thick that it cut visibility on some roads. At least two accidents were attributed to people driving by the fires to look or having their vision impaired by smoke.

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