Pantagraph.com | News | Wind fuels large field fire

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

My Dad wrote on Oct 2, 2007 7:16 PM:

" Just so everyone knows, I am a friend of the man who stopped the fire. He had his son and nephew bring in 3 tankers of water and he was the one who brought his ripper and made the fire line to stop the fire. He is a hero and everyone needs to stop bashing farmers. "

To: "to nothing yet" wrote on Oct 2, 2007 6:58 AM:

" My comments about the windmill fires is nothing new and all of this is part of public record that came before all of the area counties and thier prospective zoning board of appeals. They have chosen to ignore this and hopes this will never happen. However, they continue to allow the turbines in residential areas. You bashed me earlier with claiming that "only an idiot would think their 'wind' could spread a fire" - something I never claimed. It is apparent that you know nothing of the problems that occur when windmills, or any industry, are allowed to share farming fields. My friend... we have only began to the see problems that are related to wind "farms". By the way... Has your power gone out lately for no reason??? How about your power bill... has it gone up??? "

I'll tell you one thing... wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:10 PM:

" I sure hope the smoke from that fire was AT LEAST 15 feet from the entrance to a public building. I'll tell you that right now. Yeah. "

Country boy wrote on Oct 1, 2007 4:07 PM:

" A lot of you people are blowing things out of proportion. It’s not about farmers, smokers, burning barrels, or even windmills. It was an accident, that’s it! I’m sure there are more important issues in the world to be more concerned about, than a trash fire that got out of hand. It happens, it’s not like the guy went out and set the fire on purpose. I just don’t see the reason in trashing anyone (no pun intended) about this. It's done and over with. No ones been hurt and the property damage was minimal. Your alarm clocks will still go off in the morning, and your cars would still start to take you to work. Get over it! "

A reader from afar wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:52 PM:

" Read the article, there was about 100 acres of soybeans lost to the flames. Also, it's not unusual for farmers to band together and grab tractors and any sort of implement that will break up the soil and work the humus and stubble under to stop the spread. "

DEVASTATED... wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:19 PM:

" Read the article: "said the person burning the garbage was devastated by what happened." “I can tell you that he is thrilled that no one got hurt and that it was truly an accident." And as far as State Farmers thinking they are better....I have never felt that because of where I work it makes me better than anyone. Quit putting everyone in categories. Not everyone at State Farm acts the same. People are people and they act how they do because of who they are (personalities), not because of where they work. "

Burn laws wrote on Oct 1, 2007 1:58 PM:

" It's illegal to burn "Garbage" even if it's in the country. Only thing that's legal to burn is wood(untreated and unpainted or stained) and leaves. There are strick laws prohibiting the burning of most paper due to it containing chlorine to bleach it and plastics give off dioxins that are extremely dangerous and don't go away. The dioxins can travel a long way as tiny particles and kill others. Sad that far to many people burn this crap all the time. I wonder how much plastic was in his garbage? "

True windturbines do catch fire wrote on Oct 1, 2007 1:28 PM:

" just Google "Wind Turbine Fire". However, most causes of wind turbines are the result of human error (during repair/maintenance) or natural causes and are not an inherent characteristinc of the machinery. That been said, nuclear power plants have melt downs. Coal mines collapse and catch fire. "

to nothing yet wrote on Oct 1, 2007 1:00 PM:

" Have you ever lived in an area where there are wind farms? If so then maybe you should have let people know this ahead of time. If not, then you're just guessing something will happen. I find it amazing that there are so many who don't know anything about a subject but know everything or believe they do. Amazing! "

DEVASTATED... wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:58 PM:

T Miller wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:53 PM:

" This blog has done wonders to fan the flames, post fire. The six local, volunteer fire departments deserve everyone's gratitude. They certainly have my family's appreciation and respect. I reside on one of the two farms involved in the fire's path. It was my family's soybean field that caught fire. Fire fighters and farmers worked tirelessly side-by-side for hours, fighting against fire, wind and smoke. One never knows when fate may determine your turn for crisis. Support our volunteer fire departments; it is their passion to fulfill this civic duty in times of dire circumstance. "

To - "To "NOthing Yet" wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:53 PM:

" Frankly, I think I have done a reasonably fair job of educating myself about the windmills. You basically have a turbine atop a giant poll that gets it power from two sources: the main power grid and the windmill props. The turbine is a piece of machinery that is full of oil. Machinery and oil both burn; especially when they have a flashpoint such as electricity from the power grid, its own electricity or the lightning that just hit it. (The one field in operation around Arrowsmith has already been hit by lightning several times) It also has three large blades that are balsa wood wrapped by fiberglass - both are HIGHLY flammable All of this, and no fire-suppression system or a fire department that is equipped to fight this fire. Now, as I stated earlier, this is a fire waiting to happen. How are we going to react to that? Are we going to make the ones responsible for protecting us that are not doing their jobs pay when it does. "

Firemen wrote on Oct 1, 2007 12:20 PM:

" I'm one of many firefighters that was called to the fire. Everyone worked together and pulled through the tuff time and sevral close calls. Thanks to the farmers that did come out to the fire scene and lend a hand with there equipment. That really helped. Thanks to the farmers in the semi tankers bringing us water that made fighting the water that much easier. It was very hot and very smokey but we got the job done with very little damage to local residence. Thanks for everyones help. "

Bob Curtis wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:47 AM:

" " Why does this article blame smokers for all these fires when it was an out of control trash fire?" Because the guy from the Normal Fire Department blames smokers, saying that "lit cigarettes thrown from cars" and overheated combines are the *typical* causes of field fires. This trash fire event was an anomaly, not the norm for how these sorts of fires start. "

A Person wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:46 AM:

" Why do people say such stupid things? I am thankful nobody was hurt and I am sure a lesson has been learned. How dumb is it to bring in wind farms, unions, etc. DUH "

To Smoky wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:18 AM:

" The story itself never blamed farmers or smokers for starting the fire. A couple posters who didn't read the story just made uninformed comments. "

Smoky wrote on Oct 1, 2007 10:00 AM:

" Why does this article blame smokers for all these fires when it was an out of control trash fire? Just wonderin! Maybe the person burning trash was smoking at the time? That had to be it. Anything the media and the health nazis can do to denigrate smokers is sure alright by them. "

Rural Shirley wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:36 AM:

" This was a terrible accident. As said, thank God no one was injured and no structures were lost. As for the comment about farmer's carrying insurance, the liability for this accident lies with the person who started the fire. Let's hope the person starting the fire has good home owners insurance. That is what will be expected to pay for this fire. Even accidents carry responsibilty. "

Farmers and truck drivers wrote on Oct 1, 2007 9:09 AM:

" A lot of people in the U.S. like to bash farmers and truck drivers!!! I would like to see what would happen if they stopped farming, or the drivers stopped delivering all your food or clothes. You shouldn't have to be white collar to get respect. Just because they don't work at State Farm, doesn't mean your less of a person. A lot of these people chose to not go to college because they already know what they want to do and they love it! Too bad farming is going to all the big farmers and the little ones are getting pushed out, their cash rents stolen from people who just want to say "I farm 4000 acres", or however much! "

To the farmer bashers... wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:59 AM:

" What's the matter? Tired of picking on State Farm today? My dad was a farmer and he worked hard all his life to put food on the table for people like you. Next time you put a fork in your mouth think about how it got there. "

Re: To "NOthing Yet" wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:31 AM:

" The person didn't say the windmill's WIND would start the fire. Windmills are machines. Machines catch fire. So it is not that person who is the "idiot" here. "

Farmer wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:24 AM:

" No one can win with you people! I wasn't trying to be little farmers!!!! My father in law happens to farm, my grandfather, and many more. Get over it!!!!!!!! "

To "NOthing Yet" wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:18 AM:

" Have you even seen one of the new windmills? They move at a snails pace and only an idiot would think their 'wind' could spread a fire..... Please be educated before you post on something.....I suggest you go for a little drive and actually get out and walk up to one of those new windmills....you might learn something. "

Re: To Farmers wrote on Oct 1, 2007 8:09 AM:

" The farmers wouldn't have dug ditches. They would have used their disc chisels to cover the burning debris. "

well wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:50 AM:

" even farmers burn trash yes it happens. they are probaly the worse for this .maybe it was started by the farmer. "

To: Farmers wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:38 AM:

" The firetrucks can only douse with water, the tractors were brought in to dig ditches to keep the fire from spreading in a high wind situation, the firefighters did a fine job, please do not belittle them. What good would a tractor do if a home caught fire? *none, except to doze the remains* "

why wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:33 AM:

" I don't know why I even waste my time looking at these posts on the Pantagraph. No one has any sympathy for anyone in this town. It is always, "How could they do this?", "They need to pay”, whatever. Accidents do happen, people. That is why they are called accidents, they are what keep insurance companies in business, and half this town employed. Give the person that accidently started this fire a break. I am sure they feel bad enough all ready. I am sure they wish they were more like you and never made a mistake in their lives. Field fires start all the time this time of year. Even by the machines used by the farmers. Thankfully no one was hurt and there was no major property damage to structures. I am sure all the farmers are insured for such events and I am sure the person responsible will know better the next time. We all learn by our mistakes. "

To: Smokey wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:20 AM:

" Great idea! Then all of those enviroment-conscious people can just throw their trash in the already overfilled landfills. That way, all of the people who are outraged over new landfills coming to their towns can have more to complain about! Get real! Burning your trash is very smart. Unfortunately, this person picked the wrong day, but at least they were doing it! The "older people" that you are talking about have my kudos! "

yuck! wrote on Oct 1, 2007 7:03 AM:

" Not only do trash fires pose a risk of starting other, larger, more dangerous fires; they are just not necessary! I live in a "burning barrel" community, and the stink is unbelievable!! People will burn ANYTHING. Polluting the air that I breathe!! A garbage collection program for EVERYONE needs to be implemented; hang the cost. We're talking about prevention here; and people's health!!!! "

Nothing Yet.... wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:39 AM:

" You ain't seen nothing yet... Wait until one of these Windmills catch on fire! (and they will!!!) As high up as they are and with the blades spinning, you won't even need to have windy conditions on the ground for fire to spread worse than this. I hope the the homes next them have PLENTY of fire coverage. I also hope that the homeowners sue the county for all they can get!! What a bunch of fools we have in our local government!!!! "

All ya'll wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:35 AM:

" Guess none of you ever made a mistake in your entire life...what's the addresses of all those glass houses you're livin' in? I'd like to visit each of you and see what perfect people look and act like. "

Just so you know wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:23 AM:

" it was not a farmer that started it, but it sure was one that helped put it out! And yes, the crops were already gone, it was just the corn shucks. I live out there, dont form opinions on anyone. "

Hooray! wrote on Oct 1, 2007 6:00 AM:

" For those non-union farmers that were instrumental in putting out the fires! ;) "

CAT wrote on Oct 1, 2007 5:33 AM:

" Hats off to all that worked so hard to put out the fire, as you can see in the pics they (the firefighters) were in full gear. It was 85 degrees yesterday, and along with the heat from the fire, and the suits they wear, it had to be hot. Thanks to the farmers that came to their aid as well. Starting a fire on such a windy day doesn't seem to be the best thing to do, but it happens. Again, it is wonderful no one was hurt. "

To: Tabloid man....... wrote on Oct 1, 2007 2:17 AM:

" I really didn't notice many intelligent comments on here, either. I wasn't raised on a farm, but came from a town of 1600 with farms all around it. Anyone knows that these things can happen IF they ever lived in a rural area where farmers are (the people who DO provide food for us.) People in these 'modern' times do tend to forget how important our farmers are to us. As a youngster I can remember when silos burned, fields caught on fire, etc. It's part of farming. Everyone should REMEMBER THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR FARMERS AND MAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF THEM! I liked you comment, Tabloid man. "

Tabloid man wrote on Sep 30, 2007 10:40 PM:

" I have an uncle in Florida who lit a fire in his yard once. Bunch of palm fronds...was a real mess. Suppose I should send this link to him so he knows not to do it again, and so he can benefit from all the intelligent bloggers advice. "

Fine them! wrote on Sep 30, 2007 10:34 PM:

" I would say, whoever did this needs to be fined, big time! "

I wrote on Sep 30, 2007 9:51 PM:

" just dont know what this country would do without its farmer population! They just know how to do about anything, including putting out/stopping fires with their own machinery!!! 3 cheers!!! & Thanks for keeping Bloomington from burning to the ground again! "

Saw it here wrote on Sep 30, 2007 9:12 PM:

" There was smoke and ash in the air in South Blm. I thought my neighbors had an out of control bbq. "

farmers wrote on Sep 30, 2007 8:39 PM:

" One of the farmers there told us that the fire trucks were having trouble putting it out, so a bunch of them came in with their tractors, plows and tanks and helped stop it. I guess it was heading towards someones house. Way to go farmers!!!! "

I'm sure... wrote on Sep 30, 2007 8:39 PM:

" Believe me, the farmers will be comped for it one way or another. I'm guessing it was a farmer that started it. "

McFly wrote on Sep 30, 2007 7:24 PM:

" Why would you burn outside with as windy as it was today? Glad no one was hurt and building's weren't damaged. I hope the farmers had already harvested those fields. "

Duh wrote on Sep 30, 2007 6:39 PM:

" When we used to burn yard waste we would never have done it on such a windy day. People need to use some common sense. Also the people responsible for this should be grateful that no one was hurt and that they didn't burn down anybody's home. Had the fields that were damaged been harvested or did some farmers lose parts of their crop? "

yeah wrote on Sep 30, 2007 6:35 PM:

" you could smell the smoke in western bloomington. "

I Hope wrote on Sep 30, 2007 6:35 PM:

" I hope the crops were already out. "

yo wrote on Sep 30, 2007 6:30 PM:

" wind & fire, not really smart! "

So, wrote on Sep 30, 2007 5:33 PM:

" does the trash burner get to pay the farmers for their losses? "

Smokey wrote on Sep 30, 2007 5:33 PM:

" Trash burning should be outlawed. I live in Towanda and have to put up with (usually older people) and their "burn barrells". If it isn't their burn barrells then it's people burning their grass clippings. Unless you are on the farm, their is no reason for burning trash. "

I don't understand~~ wrote on Sep 30, 2007 5:26 PM:

" Why somebody would start a fire on a very windy day? Does it make sense to you posters? Please explain. So glad to hear nobody was hurt!! :) "

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