Wildfire!
We never thought we would have to worry about wildfires at our place, but the last few years of drought have created conditions for fires to easily spread. October 5, 2024 was one for the record books! It was a red flag warning day with temperatures in the 90s and 40+ mile-per-hour winds. The first fire started between Pickrell and Adams and spread to the north of us. Then, another fire was started by a combine during harvest near Holmesville and spread for several miles towards our farm. We started to get worried when it jumped Highway 136.
We have a defensible perimeter mowed around the farmstead and Josh got sprinklers going just in case the fire got close. Luckily, our rural fire departments and area farmers (with a bit of luck from changing winds) were able to get the fire under control a few miles from us and protect all lives and residences. Unfortunately, one outbuilding was lost at a property along the highway.
We’re now adding fire defense planning to our “to do” list in drought years!
