Iowa DNR Reminds Farmers to Take Precautions Against Harvest and Hay Fires

As fall harvest gets underway across Iowa, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding farmers to take steps to prevent fires as dry conditions and steady winds increase the risk of ignition in crop fields.

Get our free mobile app

Standing corn and soybeans become highly flammable as moisture levels drop. A simple spark from farm machinery can quickly start a fire that spreads rapidly. With some parts of Iowa experiencing dry weather and dangerously low relative humidity, the DNR says farmers should take extra precautions to protect their equipment, crops, and property.

One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk is to keep harvest equipment clean and properly maintained. Farmers should check bearings and other moving parts for overheating, follow manufacturer recommendations for lubrication and remove dry plant material from engines, exhaust systems, ledges, and brackets several times throughout the day. A buildup of crop debris near hot machinery can become an ignition source, and a one-way ticket to a combine fire.

Credit: Unsplash / Max Muselmann

The DNR also recommends checking fire extinguishers before heading into the field. Make sure they are fully charged, in good working condition, and easy to reach in an emergency. Depending on the equipment and the potential fire hazards, farmers may need more than one extinguisher or different types to handle a fire involving machinery and vegetation.

Fires don't always start in the field or in the way you would usually think. Take for instance, hay storage. When improperly stored hay can create a serious fire hazard, particularly when bales contain too much moisture. I know what you're thinking: how can damp hay catch fire? Well, moist hay can heat up internally and spontaneously combust. Most hay fires occur within six weeks of baling and can take the entire barn and hay crop with it. Stored hay should be checked regularly for warning signs, including a strong musty or burning odor, visible vapor or smoke, or bales that feel unusually hot.

Credit: Unsplash / joey senft

If a hay fire is suspected, call the fire department immediately and do not move the bales. Moving overheated hay can expose smoldering material to additional oxygen and make the fire worse. The DNR also recommends storing hay away from buildings and combustible materials, including gasoline, fertilizers, and pesticides. Round bales should be arranged in groups of 10 or fewer, at least 100 feet from structures, and with 30 feet of mowed grass, bare ground, or rock separating each group.

Credit: Hartung Family Farms YouTube Channel

Farmers can further protect their property by creating 30-foot fire breaks around buildings, grain bin sites and outdoor storage facilities, while clearing weeds and other combustible vegetation around structures and equipment.

If a field fire does start, call 911 immediately. Be prepared to provide clear directions to the location, including a nearby intersection or landmark if the field does not have a 911 address. The DNR cautions farmers not to put themselves at risk trying to control a fire before emergency crews arrive. Good habits can help Iowa farmers avoid costly losses during the already busy fall harvest season.