A farm combine caught fire late Tuesday morning in the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, prompting a quick response from emergency crews.
At around 11:20 a.m. on April 22nd, Middlesex County OPP and firefighters from Middlesex Centre Fire Department were called to Thirteen Mile Road near Denfield Road after reports of a combine harvester in flames.
Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze, and the vehicle has since been cleared from the roadway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
As spring fieldwork picks up across the region, the OPP is using the incident to remind motorists to stay alert and drive cautiously around slow-moving farm equipment. With more farmers moving between fields, drivers are likely to encounter tractors, combines, and other large machinery on rural roads.
The OPP advises motorists to look out for orange triangle signs indicating slow-moving vehicles, which often travel at speeds of about 35 km/h. Drivers are reminded to reduce speed when approaching farm vehicles and to remain patient, especially when passing.
They also caution that some farm machinery may lack turn signals and can make wide turns without warning. In many cases, farmers are unable to pull off the road due to equipment size or road conditions, so it’s best to wait for a clear and safe chance to pass.
Motorists are also urged not to slow down or stop directly in front of farm vehicles, as large machinery needs more time and space to brake.
Written by: K. Milhomens