28-07-2025
Tips for preventing fires during harvest
In this photo taken using a drone, a farmer is seen leaving a field with a load of hay bales, Thursday, August 18, 2022 near Moose Creek, Ont. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
The Fire Department of North Huron is offering tips, so farmers stay safe while harvesting hay and wheat this season.
Here are the department's signs when it comes to hay, straw, wheat, and field fire risks:
Field fires
Field fires can start from:
Hot bearings, belts, or exhaust from balers or tractors
Sparks from metal hitting rocks
Overheated baling equipment
Dry stubble and low humidity
Friction during baling or machinery issues
Bale fires
Bale fires, applicable to hay, straw, and wheat, will often start inside the bale. These are what can indicate a fire could start:
Musty or sweet caramel smell from bales
Rising internal temperatures
Visible smoke or steam from bale stacks
If your bale is over 65 C internally, that is a dangerous sign. If it's over 80 C internally, you should call 911 immediately.
The fire department also offered safety tips for baling and storage:
