FIREFIGHTERS have urged local farmers to remain aware of their fire risk ahead of harvesting season, with dried out crops posing an inherent danger to those underprepared.
With rain and flooding largely curtailing farmers so far this year, sunny weather is expected to accelerate the drying of crops, which can often be ignited by machinery and vehicles and quickly incinerate entire paddocks.
"CFA volunteer firefighters respond to more than 200 harvesting–related fires a year on average," CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said.
"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.
"Awareness is the key to avoiding harvester fires – this season will see farmers working in challenging conditions as they harvest their crops, but it is important that machinery and equipment are regularly maintained and cleaned, as well as inspected thoroughly before and during use.
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"Hot and dry conditions are 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."
Moving parts and bearings should be regularly inspected on all heavy machinery, while farmers should also ensure they have adequate firefighting resources available in paddocks where harvesting operations are conducted.
"It should be part of everyone's routine to check for straw or grass build–up in machinery, to maintain its spark arrestors, and to take regular breaks when operating machinery to ensure it doesn't get too hot," Mr Heffernan said.
"Farm machinery should also carry fire suppression equipment such as a knapsack spray pump or water fire extinguisher.
"Farmers are often the first responders to grass fires and they understand the risks and seriousness of operating machinery in hot, dry conditions.
"Being fire safe on your farm should be part of any fire plan you have."
