Every available resource was used to fight a fire at Oaklands last week.
It has been a busy time for fire crews responding to several large fires recently.
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Last week, Rutherglen CFA, assisted by Fire and Rescue Victoria and NSW Rural Fire Service crews attended a large fire at Lilliput, which escalated quickly due to the heat, dry conditions and gusty winds.
Twenty appliances and several aircraft were able to bring it under control within an hour, followed by blacking out for a few hours, thanks to the fast-acting volunteers and the combined efforts of brigades from Districts 23 and 24.
On arrival crews discovered 800 meters of running fire in a paddock. Due to the size of the fire, 22 CFA units responded to the incident along with water aircraft. Victoria Police was also on scene for traffic control.
Crews also undertook asset protection for nearby structures, luckily thanks to the good work of crews there were no reported losses.
The aftermath of the Lilliput fire, which was started by a mechanical header prompting a warning to farmers.
The Lilliput fire was caused by a mechanical header working in the paddock and the CFA is urging farmers to be fire safe when using machinery.
Deputy Chief Officer for North East Region, Gavin Thompson, said this incident served as a good reminder to make machinery safety a priority.
“This season, with low rainfall and dry soil, headers will be taking on more dirt, meaning farmers need to clean their headers more frequently to prevent dust buildup,” he said.
"Fine dust from pulse crops like lentils and lupins can accumulate around the engine and exhaust system, and if it heats up, it can smoulder and potentially ignite spot fires, particularly in windrows.
“A fire starting in the header's engine bay can spread to the surrounding crop before it is noticed by the machine operator, and in the minutes it usually takes to get water onto the fire, it could grow to several hectares.
“On days of high wind those same crop fires could grow up to 100 hectares within under an hour.”
Oaklands Fire
The Day family at Oaklands expressed their deepest gratitude to everyone who stepped up during their fire at Oaklands last week.
“Your courage, generosity, and willingness to help, whether through volunteering, donating, supporting, or simply checking in, have made an incredible difference,” they said.
“To our firefighters and emergency responders, thank you for your bravery and tireless efforts.
“To volunteers and community groups, thank you for your compassion and strength.
“To every person who offered a helping hand in any way, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Crop and Farm Machinery Fire Safety
• The most common cause of harvester fires is material collecting on hot engine components such as the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger.
• Make it part of your routine to check for straw or grass build-up, and hot bearings.
• Make sure your machinery is free of faults and mechanical defects and carrying a water fire extinguisher.
• Postpone paddock work during the highest fire-risk periods. On hot, dry days, exercise extreme caution before harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing.
• The key to avoiding harvester fires is diligence in maintenance such as clean-down and inspection.
• During paddock operations have the appropriate firefighting equipment in place. You’re required by law to have a 9-litre water pressured extinguisher on hand.
• Avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass or crop - the risk from the hot exhaust system is high.
• More information on our website.
To volunteer with the CFA in Victoria go to www.cfa.gov.au.
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