Keep your hay dry

Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or getting into it more recently, it’s important to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.

If you notice any of the signs below, your hay may be heating up:

• Steam rising from haystacks.
• Condensation or corrosion under hayshed roofing.
• Mould growth in or on bales.
• Unusual odours like a burning, musty, or caramel smell. Sometimes you may detect a smell like pipe tobacco.
• Slumping in sections of the haystack.

Spontaneous ignition is the leading cause of haystack fire in Victoria, and just one damp bale is enough to ignite a haystack.

Some ways of reducing the risk of haystack fires include, but are not limited to, making sure hay is fully cured and at recommended moisture content before baling, not stacking hay all the way to the top of a hayshed, and preventing hay from getting wet.

Visit the CFA website for more information on preventing haystack fires at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/farms/hay-fire-safety

And remember, if you see or smell smoke, you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately and ask for fire.