Farmers warned to monitor haystacks after fire spike

A recent hay fire the CFA attended in McMillans which destroyed more than destroyed more than 1,500 bales. IMAGE: CFA

Victoria’s Country Fire Authority is urging farmers to monitor haystacks closely following a spike in fires linked to recent rainfall.

The authority says volunteers have been called out to more than 30 incidents involving haystacks since the start of summer, including several in recent weeks.

A fire at McMillans destroyed more than 1,500 bales, while further incidents at Wilby and Ballendella also caused losses.

CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer Mick Sporton says moisture in hay can lead to internal heating and spontaneous combustion.

He says farmers should regularly check bale temperatures and watch for warning signs such as steam, mould, or unusual odours.

If heating is detected, stacks should be broken apart to improve airflow and allow the hay to cool.

Authorities also recommend storing hay in smaller, separate stacks away from machinery and infrastructure.

The CFA says early monitoring is key to reducing the risk of significant losses.

More information on haystack fires and what to do to prevent them can be found on CFA’s website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/hay