SIOUX FALLS, SD (Dakota News Now) – Dry weather is causing a higher fire risk in the Midwest, impacting the harvest season and the opening of pheasant hunting.

The strong wind is not ideal in combination with these conditions. Fire officials in South Dakota are reminding the public to be careful and take precautions to prevent fires.

“People just think about things around the house that could be concerning, but outside the home it doesn’t take long for something to get out of hand,” said Charlie Kludt, president of the South Dakota Firefighters Association.

For some, it’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, farmers had to worry about excessive rain and communities across the Midwest were hit by flash flooding. Rain is desperately needed now.

“Everything is dry everywhere,” says Kludt. “It’s dry everywhere in the state. The ditches on the highway of course, and then everywhere the fields where the harvest is in progress.’

Kludt said harvest time is typically already a higher fire risk season, but drought conditions have proven dangerous this time. He explained that firefighters can be superstitious, so he reluctantly said that eastern South Dakota has had a quiet year so far despite the risks.

“If something catches fire, these winds can even reignite it a few days later,” Kludt explains. “Farmers are extra careful. They take out their equipment and leave it in the fields, with water tenders ready.”

It doesn’t take much to start a fire under these conditions. Kludt mentions campfires that are not completely extinguished, chains that drag on the road and send sparks into the ditch or very hot agricultural equipment as small things that can lead to large fires.

Kludt says anyone who goes pheasant hunting should also remain cautious.

“People often travel to places where there is tall grass,” says Kludt. “Whether it’s the hot exhaust from those vehicles could be a concern. People need to be careful where they park when they go out and hunt. those fields, with an extra amount of water or something that can help them if they accidentally start a fire.”

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