On December 3, a fire in Naring (near Katamatite) destroyed 500 hay bales. The CFA said the hay was still burning a week later.
And on December 10, a fire in Coonooer West (near St Arnaud) claimed 1200 bales, a hayshed and several pieces of machinery.
Haystack fires are often caused by spontaneous combustion when hay is baled with excess moisture. High moisture levels, combined with the compact nature of hay bales, can create internal heat, leading to ignition.
Between June 30, 2023 and July 1, 2024, the CFA responded to 121 haystack fires.
CFA District 16 assistant chief fire officer Stephen Alcock said the incidents served as a reminder for farmers to closely monitor their haystacks.
“These fires demonstrate the devastating impact haystack fires can have,” he said.
“Once a fire starts, it spreads rapidly through the bales, making it extremely challenging to contain.
“High moisture levels in hay, often from baling too early in the day when it’s dewy or after rain, are a major contributor to spontaneous combustion.”
Mr Alcock also stressed the dangers of storing machinery with hay bales.
“If a fire starts in the haystack, it can quickly spread to nearby machinery, which can halt important farming operations until new equipment arrives.
“The safest option is to store hay in a separate area well away from equipment and other buildings.”
For more information, visit CFA’s website or contact your local CFA brigade for advice on haystack safety.
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