East Gippsland farmers are being urged to monitor haystacks closely after recent rain has increased the risk of spontaneous combustion.
CFA volunteers have attended more than 30 haystack fires across Victoria since the start of summer, with recent incidents serving as a warning for local producers.
CFA Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 20, Mick Sporton, said moisture trapped inside hay bales can trigger heating and potentially ignite fires.
“Things are starting to cool down as we head into autumn, but rain and moisture can still create dangerous conditions inside haystacks,” Mr Sporton said.
“It is important people check the internal temperature of their bales regularly to ensure they aren’t heating up too much.”
Locally, the risk is heightened following statewide incidents including a hayshed fire in McMillans where over 1500 bales were destroyed, and a fire in Wilby that affected more than 3000 bales, of which 200 were lost. CFA crews also attended a fire in Ballendella that destroyed around 800 bales.
A moist environment allows microorganisms to grow inside the hay, generating heat that can ignite a fire if left unchecked. Mr Sporton advised farmers to use a temperature probe or crowbar to monitor bales and to pull stacks apart if they begin to heat up.
“Watch for steam rising from haystacks, condensation or corrosion under the hayshed roof, mould, slumping sections, or unusual odours like burning, musty or caramel smells,” he said. “Limit the size of your stacks and store hay in multiple locations away from vehicles and machinery to reduce potential losses.”
