THE Country Fire Authority has warned farmers to take care with their upcoming harvesting, especially after significant rain this year.
While rainfall and flooding activity across the state had delayed harvesting season, many farmers in north-west Victoria were set to start toward the end of November.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan warned farmers and the community that harvest time can be dangerous and they need 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,” he 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.”
Chief officer Heffernan said even small fires can quickly spread to the whole paddock within minutes, making it vital to be prepared and exercise caution when preparing to harvest.
“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 is regularly maintained and cleaned, as well as inspected thoroughly before and during use,” he said.
“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.”
The CFA reminded farmers to ensure machinery such as headers were routinely maintained, moving parts and bearings were regularly inspected and cleaned of any material on hot engine components.
Farmers have been reminded to have adequate firefighting resources available in paddocks where harvesting operations are conducted, and advised against driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass as exhaust systems can ignite dry grass underneath on hot days.
