Posted at: 09/26/2012 8:28 PM
Updated at: 09/26/2012 10:13 PM
By: Steph Crock

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Dry Conditions Fuel Hayfield Field Fire

(ABC 6 News) -- A field fire near Hayfield got out of hand quickly, and the farm owners weren't event home at the time.

"My dad's like, 'Is that smoke coming from our farm?' and I was like, I don't think so, I think it’s over at Welch's place or something," said Michael Chicos. He saw the smoke from 2 miles away but didn't think much of it until his dad rushed over. "I'm like what's going on? and he's like, 'Grab the ripper there’s a fire at our house,’” said Chicos.

We're told a Dodge County Sheriff's Deputy was the first to spot the fire and called it in. They, along with the Hayfield Fire Department, were quick to the scene.

“They were awesome because we were 2 miles away and they beat us,” said Chicos.

"We have our water source but then a neighbor came by with a tractor and was able to knock it all down, turn the dirt up, and bury the hot materials,” said Hayfield Fire Chief Paul O’Brien.

Catching this blaze just in time. “A lot of big concerns being near the building sight and to the south there's a full corn field sitting down there so that would be a lot more work and more loss for the farmer,” said Chief O’Brien.

Especially a concern to these farmers, because their home has already been lost to flames. “It went out about 2 years ago in January and that was a bit tougher to put out that this one,” said Chicos.

Though they caught Wednesday's fire, it's a good reminder at how fast they can spread in these conditions. “It seemed to spread pretty fast with the windy and the dry materials," said Chief O’Brien.

Those that own the farm say they were burning old hay earlier in the day and the wind likely picked up an amber.

Chief O'Brien says this is a good time to remind everyone how quick fires can spread, and to be extra cautious in these conditions.