In Kerang this week, seven hay sheds, each with 800 bales of hay, caught fire following a damaging ember attack fuelled by hot northerly winds.
Haystack fires aren’t unusual. The CFA responded to almost 52 haystack-related fires between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said if hay is baled with high moisture content and is green, it can heat up like compost, leading to spontaneous combustion weeks or months later.
“Farmers who have decided to carry on with hay production need to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and for the future storage and transport,” he said.
“Hay fires are a real threat to properties and stock in primary production areas.
“Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or switching to hay this year, it’s imperative to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.”
Mr Heffernan advised farmers to consider hay storage options.
“When hay is either not properly cured and dried out before baling or not stored to protect it from rain or damp conditions, the moisture content in the bales is higher than the recommended level,” he said.
“If stored in environments with high temperatures and little airflow, a biological reaction could lead to a fire.
“Haystack fires can also start easily from lightning strikes or sparks from equipment.”
Hay owners should monitor haystacks using a temperature probe or a crowbar to detect heating hay.
Signs of heating hay could include steam rising from the stack or unusual odours like burning, must, pipe tobacco smell or a caramel smell.
For information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/hay-and-fire-safety
Save your haystacks
Haystack tips
- Ensure hay is well cured before baling.
- Know the history of the hay you purchase.
- Keep haystacks to a limited size and separate your haystacks.
- Monitor the 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 rooves or spouts and runoff. Cover stacks with tarps or hay caps.
- Don’t stack hay right to the top of a hay shed. Allow some air to circulate at the top — this helps to carry away moisture.
Temperature guide
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 the crowbar without discomfort. Check temperature daily.
50°C-60°C: Can only handle crowbar for a short time. Check temperature twice daily.
60°C-70°C: Can touch bar only briefly. Check temperature every two to four hours. Move hay to improve airflow.
Over 70°C: Bar is too hot to hold. Potential for fire. Call 000 immediately. Avoid walking on top of the haystack. At this stage, pulling apart the hay may provide the oxygen it needs to ignite.
9°C