When Eric Meidinger, a member of the Ashley Fire Department, got the call at about 4:30 p.m., Saturday adrenaline started pumping faster than usual.

The address was his rural home, four miles north of Ashley. Within minutes of the siren, multiple emergency units sped to the scene, fearing the worst in dry cnditions.

Meidinger arrived on the scene as firemen were getting the small blaze in a ditch, just south of the farm, under control.

A relieved Meidinger wryly quipped as he pounded his chest, “Well, I know my heart’s good and my pickup is quick!”