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