Tips for preventing fires during harvest

In this photo taken using a drone, a farmer is seen leaving a field with a load of hay bales, Thursday, August 18, 2022 near Moose Creek, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The Fire Department of North Huron is offering tips, so farmers stay safe while harvesting hay and wheat this season.

Here are the department’s signs when it comes to hay, straw, wheat, and field fire risks:

Field fires

Field fires can start from:

• Hot bearings, belts, or exhaust from balers or tractors
• Sparks from metal hitting rocks
• Overheated baling equipment
• Dry stubble and low humidity
• Friction during baling or machinery issues

Bale fires

Bale fires, applicable to hay, straw, and wheat, will often start inside the bale. These are what can indicate a fire could start:

• Musty or sweet caramel smell from bales
• Rising internal temperatures
• Visible smoke or steam from bale stacks
• If your bale is over 65 C internally, that is a dangerous sign. If it’s over 80 C internally, you should call 911 immediately.

Safety tips

The fire department also offered safety tips for baling and storage:

• Monitor moisture before baling
• Check bale temperatures regularly using a probe thermometer
• Keep fire extinguishers on field equipment
• Avoid baling in extreme heat or windy conditions
• Keep equipment well-maintained and watch for hot spots
• Salt does not prevent spontaneous combustion
• Do not move or open up hot bales, as they may ignite