Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said weather forecasts indicated farmers could expect greater yields and hopefully a successful hay season.
“Add to that the current high demand for hay ... whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or getting into it more recently, it’s really important to take care of your hay and crops this fire season,” he said.
CFA volunteer firefighters responded to dozens of haystack fires across the state last year.
Mr Heffernan said haystack fires could start quite easily from lightning strikes or sparks from equipment and machinery, but a major source of ignition was spontaneous combustion of the hay bales.
Spontaneous combustion can occur when hay has either not properly dried before baling, or has been exposed to rain or damp conditions, meaning moisture content in the bales is higher than the recommended levels.
“After baling, make sure you check the heat and smell of the bales before stacking them into haysheds or large external stacks, and leave any suspect bales separate from the rest,” Mr Heffernan said.
“By doing so, you’re not just protecting yourself from the financial impact of losing valuable fodder, you’ll also be helping your local brigade and community, as haystack fires often occupy crucial firefighting resources during the season when CFA volunteer firefighters are required to monitor haystack fires for several days to make sure smouldering fires don’t spread.”
Tips to avoid hay fires
- It is important to ensure hay is well cured before baling.
- Know the history of the hay you purchase.
- Keep haystacks to a limited size, and don't stack hay right to the top of a hayshed. Allow some air to circulate at the top — this helps to carry away moisture.
- Monitor moisture and temperature of your hay regularly.
- Watch for unusual odours such as pipe tobacco, caramel, burning or musty smells.
- Store hay in separate stacks or sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings.
- Keep your hay dry. Protect it from rain, leaking roofs or spouts, and run-off. Cover stacks with tarps or hay caps.
Temperature guide
To check the temperature of your hay, use a thermometer in a probe or insert a crowbar into the middle of the stack for two hours.
- Less than 50°C (can handle crowbar without discomfort) — check temperature daily.
- 50°C to 60°C (can only handle bar for a short time) — check temperature twice daily. Remove machinery from shed.
- 60°C to 70°C (can touch bar only briefly) — check temperature every two to four hours. Move hay to improve air flow.
- Over 70 °C (bar is too hot to hold) — potential for fire. Call 000 immediately. Avoid walking on top of the haystack.
For more information, visit: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/hay-and-fire-safety
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