Black smoke and flames erupt from a combine that caught fire during the harvest of soybeans.

By Deb Patterson
InkFreeNews

HASTINGS — An International combine became a casualty of fall harvest this afternoon when it caught fire. The fire was reported at approximately 4:45 p.m. west of 4550 W. 1000N, Milford, (just southwest of Hastings) between CR 425W and CR 500W. The property is owned by Lee and Sandra Beer and the combine is said to belong to Lee Beer.

Black smoke could be seen over six miles away.

It is unknown who was operating the combine when the fire erupted during the harvest. The back of the combine was completely engulfed when firemen arrived. The field was close to being completely harvested.

Firefighters from Milford and Nappanee fire departments responded to the scene to not only extinguish the combine fire, but also extinguish any fire that had spread to the field. The cab and soybean head on the combine  all appeared untouched by the fire.

Damage is expected to be over $200,000.