Dry harvest conditions continue to be an issue for farmers in the region after authorities in Buena Vista County responded to another field fire yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon. The Storm Lake and Newell Fire Departments were dispatched at approximately 2:23 p.m. to the 5600 block of 105th Avenue about two miles north of Storm Lake. Upon arrival, fire fighters located a fire burning in a field of standing corn that had been partially harvested. Crews were on scene for approximately 90 minutes to extinguish several drop fires along fence lines and another that had started inside the combine. The blaze is believed to have originated from stover igniting inside the machinery due to the high temperatures. Damage to the 1996 John Deere 9610 combine, owned by Gary Worthan of Storm Lake, is estimated at over $100,000. Fire Chief, Mike Jones, credits two area farmers for their quick actions in helping to contain the fire. They had spotted the smoke from where they were working in a nearby field and brought a tractor and disk to create fire breaks. The Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office and Storm Lake Police Department also assisted at the scene. Farmers are encouraged to regularly check their equipment for damaged lines and plant material collecting near hot surfaces to reduce the risk of a fire starting.