Header Fire a Timely Reminder for Harvest Safety

The Country Fire Authority is reminding farmers to prioritise machinery safety following a paddock fire this week in Victoria’s north-east, which burnt approximately 40 hectares.

The fire broke out on McPhersons Road at Lilliput on a Tuesday afternoon while a header was operating in the paddock.

CFA Deputy Chief Officer for the North East Region, Gavin Thompson, said dry seasonal conditions significantly increase the fire risk during harvest.

“With low rainfall and dry soil, headers are taking on more dirt, meaning farmers need to clean their machines more frequently to prevent dust build-up,” Mr Thompson said.

He warned that fine dust from pulse crops can accumulate around hot engine components and ignite without immediate detection.

“A fire starting in the header’s engine bay can spread to the surrounding crop before it’s noticed, and in windy conditions, that fire could grow to 100 hectares in under an hour,” he said.

CFA urges farmers to conduct regular clean-downs, carry firefighting equipment as required by law, and avoid harvesting during extreme fire danger periods.