HAYSTACK FIRE WARNING FOR FARMERS

With haymaking under way in northwest and western parts of the state, CFA is reminding landowners to be vigilant when it comes to baling. The warning follows an incident in Donald last month, where about 400 bales were lost in a haystack fire. IMAGE: Donald Fire Brigade

By Jessica Dempster

The CFA is urging farmers in western and north-west Victoria to be vigilant as haymaking gets underway, warning of the risk of haystack fires.

The warning follows fires at Donald and Lockington last month, which destroyed/affected about 520 bales between them.

CFA says hay baled with excess moisture can generate internal heat, which can build up inside compact stacks and lead to spontaneous combustion.

District 18 Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer Shane Bailey says landholders should regularly monitor haystacks, particularly in the weeks after baling.

He says good ventilation and separating hay into smaller stacks can help reduce the risk, while sheds, gutters and downpipes should be maintained to prevent water entering stored hay.

Farmers are also encouraged to regularly check hay temperatures, with unusually high readings potentially indicating a fire risk. More information is available through the CFA website or local CFA brigades.