Jamestown Rural Fire Department Handles Combine Fire, Gas Venting
Jamestown Rural Fire Department crews answered two separate incidents on Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 — a natural gas relief valve venting north of Eldridge and smoldering debris inside a combine north of Pipestem Dam. Both calls were contained quickly with no injuries or property damage, underscoring the importance of rural emergency readiness and coordination with utility partners.
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The Jamestown Rural Fire Department (JRFD) responded to two distinct calls over the first days of November, events that illustrate the routine but critical role rural emergency services play in Stutsman County safety.
Early on Sunday, Nov. 2, JRFD units were dispatched after reports of a gas odor north of Eldridge. Upon arrival, responders identified an MDU relief valve venting and took a monitoring posture while awaiting utility crews. The scene remained under observation until utility personnel arrived and resolved the issue. There were no injuries reported.
The following day, Monday, Nov. 3, JRFD crews were called to a farm site just north of Pipestem Dam for smoldering debris inside a combine. Two department trucks and seven firefighters applied water and extinguished the smoldering material, clearing the scene in approximately 25 minutes. Officials reported no injuries and no lasting damage to the combine.
Taken together, the incidents highlight two common rural hazards: mechanical fires in agricultural equipment and gas-system pressure events requiring utility intervention. Both types of incidents can escalate quickly in sparsely populated areas where professional fire and utility services may be miles away. The swift containment of these calls demonstrates JRFD’s operational readiness and the value of established procedures for coordinating with utility crews.
For local residents, the events carry practical implications. Agricultural machinery, particularly combines, can accumulate dry crop residue and dust that fuel smoldering and ignition; regular maintenance and on-the-spot awareness during field operations reduce fire risk. Likewise, unusual gas odors should be treated as potential safety hazards and reported promptly so trained responders can assess and, if necessary, keep people and property clear until utilities address the source.
At an institutional level, the calls point to the ongoing importance of investing in rural emergency capacity and maintaining clear lines of communication between volunteer fire departments and utility companies. Quick response times and effective monitoring minimized disruption and prevented harm in both cases, but sustaining that capability requires equipment, training, and community cooperation.
No injuries or damages were reported in either incident. JRFD’s recent activity serves as a reminder to Stutsman County residents to maintain equipment, remain vigilant for unusual odors or smoke, and continue working with local emergency services to protect lives and property.
