CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan warned farmers and the community that harvest time could be dangerous and they needed to take extra precautions.
“As the vegetation dries out, the fire risk increases and unfortunately each season we see machinery and vehicles start fires in different parts of the state,” Mr Heffernan said.
“CFA volunteer firefighters respond to more than 200 harvesting-related fires a year on average.
“Not only do these fires put pressure on our volunteers, many of whom are farmers themselves, but it also puts farmers’ profits and safety at risk.”
Mr Heffernan said hot and dry conditions were a particular concern for CFA.
“If it’s a high fire risk day, our advice is to postpone any work that was planned to be conducted in the paddock.
“Activities like harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing can quickly ignite fires in hot, dry conditions, and they can become dangerous very quickly.”
He said farmers should have adequate firefighting resources available in paddocks where harvesting operations were conducted, and advised against driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass as exhaust systems can ignite dry grass underneath on hot days.
“Farm machinery should also carry fire suppression equipment such as a knapsack spray pump or water fire extinguisher.
“Being fire-safe on your farm should be part of any fire plan you have.”
Crop and farm machinery fire safety tips
- The most common cause of harvester fires is material collecting on hot engine components such as the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger.
- The key to avoiding harvester fires is diligence in clean-down and inspection.
- Postpone paddock work during the highest fire risk periods. On hot, dry days, exercise extreme caution before harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing.
- Check the weather conditions against the Grain Harvesting Operations Guide before harvesting.
- Check for total fire ban or severe weather warnings and current fire incidents and follow recommendations.
- Avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass or crops — the risk from the hot exhaust system is high. Driving vehicles with catalytic converters or diesel particulate filters through dry grass and crops is particularly hazardous.
- Take regular breaks.
- Make it part of your routine to check for straw or grass build-up, and hot bearings.
- Check machinery to ensure that spark arrestors are maintained.
- Prepare a communication plan that includes family, contractors and neighbours.
- Prepare strategic fire breaks to stop fires entering or leaving your property.
- Run regular maintenance checks on farm machinery.
- Monitor machinery regularly during operations.
- Monitor weather conditions throughout the day and stop operations if it becomes hot and dry.
- During paddock operations have the appropriate firefighting equipment in place. You’re required by law to have a nine-litre water pressured extinguisher on hand.
For more information, visit: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/operating-farming-machinery-equipment-and-vehicles
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