October Kickoff: Fire Prevention Week 2026 Begins Next Week!

October Kickoff: Fire Prevention Week 2026 Begins Next Week!

​October has arrived, and with it comes National Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10, 2026). This year’s national campaign focuses on a critical topic for every modern household: "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower." As we kick off October here in Logan County, the New Holland Fire Department wants to help our community get ahead of the game with essential tips on lithium-ion battery safety, alongside our seasonal autumn reminders.

​1. Lithium-Ion Battery & Device Charging Safety

​From smartphones, tablets, and laptops to power tools, e-bikes, and lawn equipment, rechargeable batteries power our daily lives. However, damaged or improperly charged batteries can overheat and pose serious fire hazards.

• ​Charge on Hard, Flat Surfaces: Always place devices on desks, tables, or bare floors while charging. Never charge phones or laptops on beds, couches, or under pillows where heat cannot escape.
• ​Use Certified Equipment: Stick to the original chargers and cables provided by the manufacturer, or use replacements certified by testing laboratories (like UL or ETL).
• ​Unplug When Full: Disconnect devices and power tool battery chargers once they reach 100%. Avoid leaving heavy-duty batteries charging unattended overnight.
• ​Inspect for Damage: If a battery feels excessively hot, bulges, leaks, or smells unusual, stop using it immediately and dispose of it safely at a battery recycling center.

​2. October Outdoor Leaf & Brush Burning

​As leaves begin to drop across town and farm properties, fall yard cleanups are starting up.

• ​Monitor Wind & Humidity: Never start an open burn on high-wind or low-humidity days. A sudden gust can easily carry embers into dry grass or nearby structures.
• ​Keep Boundaries & Water Handy: Maintain a 50-foot distance between burn piles and buildings or unharvested fields. Always keep a hose connected to a water supply right next to the burn area until embers are completely cold.

​Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation:

October is the official month to audit your home’s fire defenses! Smoke detectors older than 10 years lose reliability and must be replaced.

​Through our "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke alarms for all residents within our fire protection district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us today at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.




​Welcome to October, New Holland! Stay safe, and remember to dial 911 immediately in any emergency.

Preparing Home Heating & Fire Prevention Week Preview

Late-September Safety: Preparing Home Heating & Fire Prevention Week Preview

​As we wrap up September here in Central Illinois, autumn has officially arrived. While harvest operations continue across our district, cool evening temperatures mean many families are starting to turn on their home heating systems.

​With National Fire Prevention Week just around the corner in October, the New Holland Fire Department wants to help our community get a head start on fall home safety.

​1. Safely Transitioning to Fall Heating

​Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires as temperatures drop. A quick pre-season check can prevent unexpected issues:

• ​Test Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: Gas furnaces, fireplaces, and space heaters produce carbon monoxide—an odorless, invisible gas. Ensure you have working CO detectors installed on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas.
• ​Inspect Central Furnaces: Replace dirty air filters before turning your heat on for the first time. Have a professional technician inspect your unit to ensure burners and exhaust flues are functioning safely.
• ​Maintain Space Heater Clearance: If using portable space heaters to take off the autumn chill, keep them at least 3 feet away from bedding, curtains, and furniture. Always plug space heaters directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords or power strips.

​2. Look Ahead: Fire Prevention Week (Oct 4–10)

​Mark your calendars! The upcoming National Fire Prevention Week focuses on safe charging practices for lithium-ion battery devices—from smartphones and laptops to cordless yard tools.

​Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing simple ways to ensure your household electronics stay safe while powering up.

​Free Home Smoke Detector Program:

Before cold weather settles in, check the manufacture date on the back of your home's smoke alarms. Detectors older than 10 years lose their ability to detect smoke reliably and must be replaced.

​Through our "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors for all residents within our fire protection district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us today at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.

​Enjoy the crisp fall weather and stay safe, New Holland! In any emergency, never hesitate to dial 911 immediately.

Fall Home Heating & Chimney Safety

Fall Home Heating & Chimney Safety: Preparing for the Cooler Months Ahead

​As late-summer warm spells begin to fade, cool autumn nights are just around the corner in Central Illinois. Before we turn on the furnace or light up the fireplace for the first time this season, the New Holland Fire Department encourages all residents to take a few proactive steps to ensure their home heating systems are safe and efficient.

​Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the fall and winter months. Fortunately, most home heating fires are easily preventable with basic maintenance and safe operating habits.

​1. Schedule Annual Heating System Maintenance

​Whether your home uses a central furnace, a wood-burning stove, or a fireplace, get your systems inspected before the first cold drop in temperature.

• ​Inspect Chimneys & Flues: Creosote—a highly flammable byproduct of burning wood—can build up inside chimneys over time. Have a certified chimney sweep inspect and clean your chimney annually to prevent dangerous flue fires.
• ​Service Your Furnace: Have a qualified technician inspect your furnace, burners, and heat exchanger to ensure proper operation and prevent carbon monoxide leaks.
• ​Change Air Filters: Replace furnace air filters regularly. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing the system to work harder and potentially overheat.

​2. Space Heater Safety Basics

​Portable space heaters are convenient for taking the chill off a room, but they require strict attention when in use.

• ​The 3-Foot Rule: Keep anything that can burn—including curtains, bedding, furniture, rugs, and clothing—at least 3 feet away from all space heaters.
• ​Plug Directly into Wall Outlets: Never use an extension cord or power strip with a space heater. Space heaters draw heavy electrical current, which can easily overheat an extension cord and cause an electrical fire.
• ​Turn Them Off When Leaving: Always shut off and unplug space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.

​3. Fireplace & Ash Disposal Caution

​Enjoying a warm fire on a crisp evening is a fall staple, but proper ash management is crucial.

• ​Use a Fireplace Screen: Always place a sturdy metal screen or glass door in front of the fireplace to catch floating embers and flying sparks.
• ​Cool Ashes Completely: Coals and ashes can retain hidden heat for days after a fire appears to be out.
• ​Safe Ash Disposal: Never deposit ashes into plastic trash cans, cardboard boxes, or bags. Place cooled ashes into a metal container with a tight-fitting lid, douse them with water, and store the container outdoors at least 10 feet away from your house, garage, or deck.

​Free Smoke Detector Program:

​If your home's smoke alarms are older than 10 years, they need complete replacement. Through the "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors for all residents within our district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.




​Stay warm and stay safe, New Holland! If you smell gas, suspect a carbon monoxide issue, or experience any emergency, leave the house immediately and dial 911.

Mid-September Fire Safety: Grain Bin Safety & Fall Debris Management

Mid-September Fire Safety: Grain Bin Safety & Fall Debris Management

​With harvest activity in full swing across Logan County this mid-September, the New Holland Fire Department is focusing on two critical safety areas for the weeks ahead: grain storage safety on the farm and safe disposal of fall yard debris around the home.

​Taking proactive steps during this busy time helps ensure our community stays safe both in the fields and in town.

​1. Grain Bin & Silo Safety

​Grain handling involves specialized hazards, from grain dust explosion risks to mechanical entanglements and grain entrapment.

• ​Manage Grain Dust: Combustible grain dust is highly explosive when suspended in the air in enclosed spaces. Regularly sweep and vacuum grain legs, tunnels, and headhouses to keep dust accumulations below 1/16 of an inch.
• ​Lockout/Tagout Gear: Never enter a grain bin without locking out and tagging all unloading equipment, augers, and sweep systems to prevent accidental startup.
• ​Never Enter Flowing Grain: Moving grain acts like quicksand. If entry is absolutely necessary, always use a harness and lifeline, and never enter a bin alone—have a trained observer outside the bin in constant communication.

​2. Fall Yard Debris & Outdoor Burning

​As trees begin dropping leaves and late-summer yard cleanups continue, outdoor burning requires extra caution due to dry vegetation and shifting fall winds.

• ​Check Local Regulations & Weather: Before starting any open burn, check wind speeds and humidity levels. Avoid burning on dry, windy afternoons when embers can easily travel to nearby fields or structures.
• ​Maintain Clear Margins: Keep burn piles at least 50 feet away from any structures, trees, or unharvested crop fields. Clear a 10-foot dirt perimeter around the pile.
• ​Stay with the Fire: Never leave an open burn unattended. Keep a hose connected to a water supply, or have a tractor with a blade nearby until the fire is completely extinguished.

​Free Home Smoke Detector Program:

While reviewing safety protocols for your farm or yard, remember to check your home's smoke alarms. Smoke detectors lose sensitivity after 10 years and require full replacement.

​Through the "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke alarms for all residents within our district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or email us at firehouse@newhollandfire.com.




​Stay safe in the fields and at home, New Holland! In any emergency, dial 911 immediately.

September Harvest Safety

September Harvest Safety: Protecting Farm Machinery and Rural Property

​As September kicks into high gear across Logan County, harvest season is officially beginning for our agricultural community. Long days in the field with combines, tractors, and grain trucks are vital to New Holland, but they also bring an increased risk of agricultural fires. Dry crop residue, high operating temperatures, and windy early-autumn days create ideal conditions for field and equipment fires.

​The New Holland Fire Department wants to remind our local farmers, operators, and farm families of essential safety practices to ensure a productive and safe harvest season.

​1. Equipment Cleanup & Daily Maintenance

​Accumulated chaff and dust on hot engine parts are the leading causes of combine and tractor fires.

• ​Daily Blow-Downs: Use compressed air or a leaf blower at the end of each shift to thoroughly clear crop dust, chaff, and debris from engine compartments, exhaust manifolds, and belt drives.
• ​Inspect Fuel and Hydraulic Lines: Check for cracked hoses or leaking fittings. A high-pressure hydraulic leak atomizing onto a hot exhaust pipe can ignite in seconds.
• ​Monitor Bearings and Belts: Overheated bearings and slipping drive belts generate intense friction heat. Pay attention to unusual noises, burning smells, or hot spots during operation.

​2. Extinguisher Readiness in the Field

​When a fire breaks out in a dry field or machine, having the right equipment immediately on hand can save a crop or a million-dollar piece of machinery.

• ​Carry Two Extinguishers: Mount one 10 lb ABC multi-purpose extinguisher inside the cab and another easily accessible at ground level on the exterior of the machine.
• ​Check the Pressure Gauges: Verify that gauges are in the green and safety seals are intact before pulling into the field.
• ​Invert Monthly: Invert and shake your extinguishers periodically to prevent the dry chemical powder from packing down due to field vibration.

​3. Field Management & Emergency Response

​Planning ahead makes a significant difference when seconds count.

• ​Know Your Location: Ensure every operator and family member knows the precise field location, farm entrance number, or nearest rural road intersection to give 911 dispatchers.
• ​Stage Tillage Equipment: Keep a tractor hooked up to a disk or chisel plow near the field edge. If a fire starts, creating a quick dirt break downwind can contain the spread until firefighters arrive.
• ​Watch the Wind: Avoid performing hot work—such as field welding or grinding—on low-humidity, high-wind afternoons.

​Free Home Smoke Detector Installation:

While prepping your harvest machinery, don't forget to check your home's fire defenses! Smoke detectors lose reliability after 10 years and need complete replacement.

​Through our "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke alarms for all residents within our fire district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.




​Have a safe, smooth, and plentiful harvest, New Holland! If an emergency occurs in the field or at home, dial 911 immediately.

Late-August Fire Safety: Wrapping Up Summer and Preparing for Fall

Late-August Fire Safety: Wrapping Up Summer and Preparing for Fall

​As we head into the final stretch of August here in Central Illinois, the New Holland Fire Department wants to help our community finish out the summer season safely. With warm weather still upon us and back-to-school routines kicking into gear, taking a few moments to review seasonal safety can prevent preventable emergencies.

​Here are some important late-summer fire safety tips for your home, yard, and family:

​1. Late-Summer Campfire & Fire Pit Safety

​Dry late-summer grass, fallen twigs, and breezy afternoons mean backyard fire pits and campfires need extra caution.

• ​Maintain Clear Space: Keep fire pits at least 15 feet away from your home, wooden decks, sheds, and overhanging tree branches. Clear away all dry leaves and grass within a 10-foot radius of the pit.
• ​Keep Water Ready: Always keep a charged garden hose or a 5-gallon bucket of water right next to the fire pit while it is burning.
• ​Douse and Stir: Never let a fire burn itself out overnight. Douse the coals thoroughly with water, stir the ashes with a shovel, and douse them again until the entire pit is cold to the touch.

​2. Back-to-School Cooking and Routine Safety

​With children and teenagers back in school, many households experience more activity during after-school hours.

• ​Stove and Microwave Rules: Make sure younger family members know basic kitchen safety, such as keeping paper towels, dish towels, and plastic packaging away from hot stovetop burners.
• ​Create a Safe Zone: Remind everyone to keep a 3-foot safe zone around active cooking appliances.
• ​Review Escape Plans: Take 10 minutes as a family to review your home fire escape plan, ensure everyone knows two ways out of every room, and check your designated outdoor meeting place.

​3. Storing Summer Gear & Fuel Safely

​As you transition away from peak summer lawn care and outdoor projects:

• ​Gasoline Storage: Store gasoline and fuel cans safely in a well-ventilated, detached outbuilding or shed. Never store fuel near pilot lights, water heaters, or furnaces inside your home.
• ​Inspect Power Equipment: Before putting away mowers or trimmers for the season, clear away packed grass clippings and dry debris from around hot engine components.

​Free Home Smoke Alarm Program Reminder:

August is a great time to ensure your home is fully protected. Smoke alarms older than 10 years must be replaced entirely to remain reliable.

​Through our "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors for all residents within our district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us today at (217) 445-2341 or visit or email us at firehouse@newhollandfire.com




​Have a safe and wonderful end to your summer, New Holland! If you ever face an emergency, never hesitate to dial 911 immediately.

August Fire Safety: Late-Summer Hazards and Back-to-School Preparedness

August Fire Safety: Late-Summer Hazards and Back-to-School Preparedness

​As August brings peak summer heat and the transition into late-summer routines across Central Illinois, the New Holland Fire Department wants to remind our residents about seasonal fire safety. From outdoor entertaining and grilling to back-to-school routines and yard maintenance, August presents unique hazards that require our attention.

​Here are a few essential fire safety tips tailored for the month of August:

​1. Late-Summer Grilling & Outdoor Gatherings

​With long daylight hours and warm evenings, August is a prime month for backyard barbecues and cookouts.

• ​Maintain a Safe Distance: Always keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your home, siding, deck railings, and overhanging tree branches.
• ​Never Leave a Grill Unattended: Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the hot grill area at all times.
• ​Proper Ash Disposal: If you use a charcoal grill, let the coals cool completely for at least 48 hours before disposal, or douse them thoroughly with water and place them in a metal container. Never dump hot coals into plastic trash cans or dry grass.

​2. Back-to-School Electrical and Appliance Safety

​As families get ready for the upcoming school year, bedrooms and study spaces often see an increase in plugged-in electronics, laptops, desk lamps, and chargers.

• ​Avoid Overloading Outlets: Do not overload wall outlets or daisy-chain power strips and extension cords.
• ​Charge Safely: Always charge laptops, tablets, and phones on hard, flat surfaces. Never leave devices charging on beds, pillows, or couches where heat can become trapped and start a fire.
• ​Inspect Cords: Check all back-to-school electronics and desk lamp cords for fraying or cracking before use, and replace any damaged items immediately.

​3. Yard Maintenance in the August Heat

​Dry August weather and high temperatures can make lawns and brush vulnerable to stray sparks.

• ​Watch Out for Hot Equipment: Mowers and utility vehicles have hot exhaust systems that can easily ignite dry grass or weeds if parked over them. Always let equipment cool down before storing it.
• ​Clear Debris: Keep dry leaves and debris cleared away from your home's foundation and outdoor structures.

​Free Smoke Detector Program Reminder:

August is a great time to review your home safety checklist. Smoke alarms older than 10 years must be replaced to remain reliable.

​Through our "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors for all residents within our district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.




​Have a wonderful end to your summer, New Holland! In any emergency, never hesitate to dial 911.

Chare Into Fire Safety

Charge Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Habits for Every Home

​From power tool batteries in the shed to smartphones, tablets, laptops, and cordless mowers, our homes are filled with lithium-ion battery-powered devices. While these rechargeable batteries make modern life convenient, they store a massive amount of energy in a compact space. If charged incorrectly or damaged, they can pose serious fire hazards.

​As we look ahead toward this fall's National Fire Prevention Week (October 4–10) and its theme, "Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower," the New Holland Fire Department wants to give our community a head start on practical charging habits to protect your home and family.

​1. Ditch the Soft Surfaces

​When a battery charges, it naturally generates heat.

• ​Hard, Flat Surfaces Only: Always charge devices on a table, desk, counter, or bare floor where air can circulate around the casing.

• ​Never Charge on Beds or Couches: Placing a phone, laptop, or tablet on a mattress, blanket, sofa, or under a pillow traps heat. Overheating is one of the leading causes of lithium-ion battery failure and fires.

​2. Stick to Official Chargers

​It’s tempting to grab a cheap, unbranded replacement charger online, but off-brand cords and power blocks often lack built-in safety controls designed to prevent overcharging and voltage spikes.

• ​Always use the charger and cable provided by the device manufacturer or ones explicitly certified for your specific device.

​3. Unplug When Fully Charged

​Leaving devices plugged into wall outlets indefinitely puts unnecessary stress and heat on the battery cells.

• ​Once your phone, power tool battery, or lawn equipment reaches 100%, disconnect it from the charger.

• ​Avoid leaving power tool or e-bike batteries charging unattended overnight or while you are away from home.

​4. Know the Warning Signs of Battery Failure

​Lithium-ion batteries often give clear warnings before going into thermal runaway. Immediately unplug and stop using a device if you notice:

• ​The device feels excessively hot to the touch while charging or in use.

• ​The battery casing begins to swell, bulge, or crack.

• ​You smell an unusual chemical or metallic odor.

• ​You hear popping or hissing sounds coming from the unit.

​If a battery begins smoking or catches fire indoors, leave the home immediately, close the door behind you to contain the smoke, and dial 911.

​Free Home Smoke Detector Program:

Proper charging habits are your first line of defense, but working smoke alarms remain your ultimate safety net. Smoke detectors older than 10 years must be replaced to remain effective.

​Through our "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed battery smoke alarms for all residents within our fire district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us today at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.com.

​Stay safe and stay vigilant, New Holland! In any emergency, never hesitate to dial 911.

Summary of calls to date

🚨 New Holland Fire Protection District - Live Incident Feed

Total YTD Calls: 18 Fire: 9 EMS: 5 Vehicle Accidents: 4 Avg. Attendance: 2.50

Date / Time	Type	Incident #	Incident Type	Attendees	Total Time
Sat 1/3/2026 12:59	🩺 EMS	103261	Medical: Illness: No Appropriate Choice	1	⏱️ 00:25
Thu 1/15/2026 09:41	🔥 Fire	115261	No Emergency: Cancelled	4	⏱️ 00:13
Mon 2/16/2026 14:27	🔥 Fire	216261	Fire: Outside Fire: Other Outside Fire	1	⏱️ 00:57
Sat 2/28/2026 13:59	🔥 Fire	228261	Fire: Outside Fire: Vegetation / Grass Fire	2	⏱️ 00:35
Sat 2/28/2026 14:20	🔥 Fire	228262	Fire: Outside Fire: Vegetation / Grass Fire	2	⏱️ 00:52
Sat 2/28/2026 15:02	🔥 Fire	228263	Fire: Outside Fire: Vegetation / Grass Fire	2	⏱️ 00:40
Sat 2/28/2026 16:39	🔥 Fire	228264	Fire: Outside Fire: Other Outside Fire	3	⏱️ 00:38
Tue 3/3/2026 08:26	🩺 EMS	303261	Medical: Illness: Breathing Problems	1	⏱️ 00:40
Thu 3/19/2026 14:42	🚗 MVA	319261	Hazardous Situation: Hazard Non-Chemical: Motor Vehicle Collision	2	⏱️ 01:40
Sat 4/4/2026 16:07	🩺 EMS	404261	Medical: Illness: Altered Mental Status	4	⏱️ 00:24
Mon 4/6/2026 16:14	🚗 MVA	406261	Hazardous Situation: Hazard Non-Chemical: Motor Vehicle Collision	4	⏱️ 00:44
Thu 4/23/2026 21:53	🩺 EMS	423261	Medical: Illness: Breathing Problems	3	⏱️ 00:02
Wed 5/6/2026 21:03	🚗 MVA	506261	Hazardous Situation: Hazard Non-Chemical: Motor Vehicle Collision	5	⏱️ 00:28
Thu 5/14/2026 21:33	🚗 MVA	512261	Hazardous Situation: Hazard Non-Chemical: Motor Vehicle Collision	5	⏱️ 00:40
Mon 6/8/2026 09:52	🔥 Fire	608261	Fire: Structure Fire: Structural Involvement	2	⏱️ 02:03
Thu 6/11/2026 19:49	🔥 Fire	611261	Public Service: Disaster / Weather: Weather Response	2	⏱️ 02:04
Fri 6/12/2026 12:28	🩺 EMS	612261	Medical: Injury / Trauma: Fall	1	⏱️ 00:21
Fri 7/3/2026 13:53	🔥 Fire	703261	Fire: Outside Fire: Vegetation / Grass Fire	1	⏱️ 00:12

Fall Prep & Harvest Fire Safety

Fall Prep & Harvest Fire Safety: Protecting Equipment and Fields

​As late summer turns to fall across Logan County, harvest season is right around the corner. For our agricultural community in New Holland, this means long hours in the fields with heavy machinery, high temperatures, and dry crop residue—a combination that significantly increases the risk of field and equipment fires.

​The New Holland Fire Department wants to remind local farmers, equipment operators, and landowners of essential fire safety practices to keep this harvest season safe and productive.

​1. Daily Equipment Maintenance & Cleanup

​Debris buildup on hot engine parts is one of the most common triggers for combine and tractor fires.

• ​Blow Down Equipment: Use compressed air or a leaf blower at the end of each day to clear chaff, leaves, dust, and dry crop material from engine compartments, exhaust manifolds, and belt drives.
• ​Inspect Wiring & Fluid Lines: Look for cracked hydraulic hoses, leaking fuel lines, or frayed electrical wiring. A high-pressure hydraulic leak spraying onto a hot exhaust can ignite instantly.
• ​Check Bearings and Belts: Overheated bearings and slipping drive belts create intense friction heat. Monitor for unusual noises, burning rubber smells, or excess heat during operation.

​2. Carry Working Fire Extinguishers

​When a fire starts in a field or combine, minutes—and even seconds—matter before the department arrives.

• ​Keep Two Extinguishers On Board: Mount at least one 10 lb ABC multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the cab and another at ground level on the machine.
• ​Check the Pressure Gauges: Ensure your extinguishers are fully charged, undamaged, and that the pin is secured before heading into the field.
• ​Invert Extinguishers Monthly: Turn your fire extinguishers upside down and shake them periodically to prevent the dry chemical powder inside from compacting due to machine vibration.

​3. Field Safety & Emergency Planning

​A fast-moving field fire can spread rapidly across dry stubble, especially on windy days.

• ​Know Your Location: Make sure everyone on the crew knows the precise field location or nearest rural road intersection to provide to 911 dispatchers in an emergency.
• ​Keep Water & Tillage Equipment Handy: Having a tractor hooked up to a disk or chisel plow nearby allows you to quickly cut a firebreak if a spot fire breaks out in a dry field.
• ​Mind the Wind: Avoid burning off ditches or performing hot work (welding/grinding) outdoors on low-humidity, high-wind days.

​Free Home Safety Check Reminder

While preparing your equipment for the season, don't forget your home's fire safety! Smoke alarms older than 10 years must be replaced.

​Through the "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors for all residents within our district.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or reach out via newhollandfire.com.




​Have a safe and bountiful harvest, New Holland! In any emergency, never hesitate to dial 911 immediately

Prevent Late-Summer Outdoor Equipment Fires & Burn Hazards

Prevent Late-Summer Outdoor Equipment Fires & Burn Hazards

​As late-summer maintenance ramps up across our district, the New Holland Fire Department wants to remind residents that outdoor power tools, hot equipment, and dry vegetation can be a dangerous combination.

​Whether you’re mowing the lawn, clearing weeds, or tackling yard projects, taking a few simple precautions can prevent costly equipment fires and accidental grass burns.

​1. Watch for Hot Equipment in Dry Grass

​Vehicle exhaust pipes and mower decks reach extreme temperatures during use.

• ​Never Park in High Grass: Parking a warm car, truck, or lawn tractor over dry grass or thick weeds can easily ignite a fire underneath the vehicle.

• ​Refuel Carefully: Never add fuel to a mower or power tool while the engine is running or still hot. Let equipment cool down for a few minutes before topping off the gas tank.

​2. Prevent Spark Hazards While Mowing

​A single spark hit against a hidden rock or piece of metal in dry grass can ignite dry debris quickly, especially on windy afternoons.

• ​Mow in Cooler Hours: Mow early in the morning when humidity is higher and temperatures are cooler. Avoid mowing during peak heat or on exceptionally windy days.

• ​Clear the Yard First: Walk your yard beforehand to pick up stones, metal debris, or toys that could strike the mower blade and create a spark.

• ​Clean the Deck: Periodically clear built-up grass clippings and dry leaves from around the mower engine and deck, as packed dry material near hot engine parts is a common cause of mower fires.

​3. Maintain Your Small Engines

​All gasoline-powered lawn equipment—including trimmers, chainsaws, and mowers—should have a clean, functional spark arrester on the exhaust system to prevent hot carbon particles from escaping into dry brush.

​Free Smoke Detector Program Reminder:

Summer is moving fast, making it a great time to check the manufacture date on your home's smoke alarms. Smoke detectors lose reliability after 10 years and need complete replacement.

​If your alarms are outdated, our department will provide and install new 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors at no cost to residents in our district through the "Be Alarmed!" program.

​Call us to schedule your free installation: (217) 445-2

341

​Stay safe out there, New Holland! Always keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby during outdoor yard projects. In the event of an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Navigating Central Illinois: Law Enforcement Issues Safety Warning as Corn Heights Skyrocket

Navigating Central Illinois: Law Enforcement Issues Safety Warning as Corn Heights Skyrocket

​If you’re driving through Central Illinois right now, you’ve probably noticed that the scenery is changing fast. The corn fields are hitting peak summer height, turning rural routes into gorgeous, green landscapes. But local law enforcement warns that this seasonal growth brings a hidden and dangerous hazard: a sharp spike in intersection crashes.

​Recently, agencies like the Coles County Sheriff's Office have reported an uptick in accidents directly caused by towering crops. As the corn grows high, it acts as an effective wall, drastically blocking visibility at rural intersections. Drivers pulling up to stop signs or rural cross-streets often find it nearly impossible to see oncoming traffic until they are already creeping out into the road.

​To keep everyone safe this season, law enforcement is urging drivers to follow a few critical safety tips:

• ​Slow Down and Come to a Complete Stop: Don't just roll through stop signs. Take the extra time to come to a complete, legal stop so you can thoroughly check for hidden oncoming traffic.

• ​Assume Other Drivers Can't See You: Even if you technically have the right-of-way, remember that tall corn might be blocking the other driver's view of you as well. Keep a watchful eye on all parts of the road.

• ​Watch for Alternative Vehicles: The same strict caution applies if you're operating or sharing the road with micromobility transportation, such as golf carts and e-bikes.

​These types of accidents are entirely preventable if drivers exercise a little extra patience and respect for the rural landscape. Share these tips with your family, talk to your young or newly licensed drivers, and let’s keep Central Illinois roads safe all summer long!

​Source:

Read the original coverage on WCIA News.

Essential Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Essential Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Charging Smart in New Holland

​From tool batteries in the shed to smartphones, e-bikes, and lawn equipment, lithium-ion batteries power much of our daily lives. While these batteries are efficient and compact, damaged or improperly charged lithium-ion batteries can overheat, catch fire, or even explode.

​The New Holland Fire Department wants to help our community stay protected with these straightforward safety tips for handling rechargeable devices.

​1. Buy Certified and Use OEM Chargers

• ​Look for Safety Marks: Only purchase devices and replacement batteries that have been tested and certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory (such as UL or Intertek).
• ​Stick to Original Equipment: Always use the charger and cable that came with your device, or an exact manufacturer-approved replacement. Generic or off-brand chargers can deliver improper voltage and overheat the battery cell.

​2. Smart Charging Habits

• ​Don't Charge Overnight or Unattended: Avoid leaving high-capacity items (like power tools or lawn equipment) plugged in overnight or charging while everyone is away from home.
• ​Charge on Hard, Flat Surfaces: Never charge phones, tablets, or laptops on beds, pillows, couches, or under blankets. Soft surfaces trap heat and create a dangerous fire hazard.
• ​Keep Away from Exits: Avoid plugging in large rechargeable devices in hallways or right next to primary exit doors where a potential fire could block your escape route.

​3. Spot the Warning Signs

​If a battery exhibits any of the following signs, stop using it immediately:

• ​Swelling or Bulging: The casing appears expanded or puffy.
• ​Excessive Heat: The device feels unusually hot to the touch during use or charging.
• ​Strange Odor or Hissing: An odor or unusual sound is coming from the battery pack.
• ​Discoloration or Leaking: Fluid or unusual marks are visible on the exterior.

​Safe Disposal & Emergency Action

• ​Never Throw Batteries in Regular Trash: Damaged or spent lithium-ion batteries can ignite when crushed inside garbage trucks or at waste processing facilities. Take them to an authorized battery recycling drop-off point.
• ​In Case of Fire: If a battery catches fire, do not attempt to extinguish it with water yourself, as lithium-ion fires burn extremely hot and produce toxic gases. Evacuate immediately, close doors behind you to contain the smoke, and call 911.

​Is Your Home Prepared for an Emergency?

Working smoke detectors remain your first line of defense against any residential fire. If your detectors are over 10 years old or fail monthly testing, the New Holland Fire Department offers free smoke detector installation for residents in our protection district through the "Be Alarmed!" program.

​Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or visit newhollandfire.c

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