DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa fire departments responded to several field fires on Saturday, largely due to dry and windy conditions. Even with burn bans in place, fire crews urge farmers to stay vigilant.

Iowa experienced record rainfall in July, but turned a corner into a dry August and September. This combined with clinging heat and winds have fire crews and farmers worried about field fires. Heading into the weekend several Iowa counties were placed under burn bans to prevent unnecessary flames.

Fire departments recommend farmers keep a close on eye on their fields and equipment this weekend, as well as leaving tillage equipment hooked up for quick use if needed. On Saturday, several fire agencies across the state had reported field or combine fires.

In Louisa County, the Morning Sun Fire Department was called to a cornfield fire around 1 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, fire crews found around 40 acres of standing corn on fire. With assistance from the owner using a tractor and disk, fire crews were able to get the fire controlled in under an hour. Authorities say the preliminary investigation indicates it was started by overheated farming equipment due to harvesting and warmer temps.

In Taylor County, a little before 4 p.m. on Saturday, Fire Departments from New Market, Clarinda, Bedford, and Villisca responded to a field field near Badger Avenue and 200th Street. Authorities say they were able to control the flames and spread along with help from local farmers using tractors and disks.

Conditions are expected to improve as cooler temps and small rain chances moving into central Iowa at the beginning of the week. However, burn bans remain in place until the state fire marshal determines conditions are again safe. To stay up to date on Iowa burn bans visit their website.