Shelby County departments battle field fire Thursday

SHELBY COUNTY — At approximately 5:30 p.m. Thursday, October 17, all nine Shelby County Fire Departments were dispatched to a field fire a quarter of a mile south of Highway 44 near Portsmouth.
Portsmouth Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Leinen said there were a total of 10 departments with 115 firefighters and 45 trucks on the scene.
Leinen said they are uncertain what started the fire, but overly dry conditions combined with over 30 miles per hour winds made for a dangerous situation.
“Fortunately, the majority of the crop was out, and it slowed down once it hit the pasture,” Leinen said.
In addition to the volunteer responders, Leinen said there were approximately 35 farmers discing the area. “They were hoping it would help, and it did,” Leinen said.
“We were fortunate. I was shocked the amount of people who showed up to disc. They are running around with $300,000 worth of equipment trying to help.”
“We needed them with discs. Water doesn’t do it all the time. We want to thank them,” he added.
“Everyone likes to help everyone around here, that’s what makes it a good community. One guy said ‘If I ever have a fire, I hope these guys show up.’ That’s why we do what we do. I’m here to help, and hope if I need it someone returns the favor,” Leinen said.
 The fire rekindled at 4:30 a.m. Friday morning, and Leinen and several others monitored the field closely throughout the day.
 Leinen said an estimated 150 acres burned, including approximately 50 acres of standing corn.