CFA Warns After Surge in Haystack Fires

The Country Fire Authority is urging farmers to take extra care with hay production and storage following several significant haystack fires across Victoria’s north-west.

Thousands of bales have been lost in recent incidents at Towaninny South, Patchewollock, Robinvale and Bagshot, with some stacks continuing to burn for days.

Between June 2024 and July 2025, the CFA responded to 73 haystack and hay shed fires in regional areas. Many are believed to result from spontaneous combustion when hay is baled with excessive moisture. High moisture trapped within dense bales can generate heat that eventually ignites.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan urged producers to ensure conditions are suitable before cutting and baling.

“Farmers who have decided to carry on with hay production need to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and for the future storage and transport of the product as well,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Hay fires are a real threat to properties and stock in farmland areas.”

He encouraged producers to monitor stacks closely.

“Use technology to monitor your haystacks regularly; temperature probes can provide an early warning,” Mr Heffernan said.

He added that hay should be stored in separate stacks or in sheds away from machinery and buildings to reduce the risk of fire spread.

The CFA is directing farmers to local brigades and its website for further advice on hay safety.