Cumbria fire service urge farmers to be aware of the risk of barn fires caused by hay
It's after a number of blazes in the last month, including near Ulverston and Flimsy
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
After a number of barn fires in the county, Cumbria Fire and Rescue are urging farmers to make sure they’re aware of the risks.
In the last month alone, there have been blazes near Ulverston and Flimsy - caused, they say, by spontaneous combustion.
Tips include removing hay from fields as soon as possible after harvesting, and storing hay in sacks at least 10 metres apart.
It's all because of how easily hay bales can catch fire.
A build-up of mould in the bales caused by moisture in the hay - from the time of bailing or after it has been rained on - makes them more flammable.
As hay naturally insulates itself, once it reaches 55C (131F), a chemical reaction occurs, which makes flammable gas.
If the heat continues to rise, the likelihood is, the flammable gas will eventually combust.
Tips to prevent or reduce hay bale fires
The Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service have published a number of tips for farmers, on how to prevent or reduce the risk of fire from hay bales.
These include:
- Removing hay from fields as soon as it's harvested
- Making sure hay is dry before storing it
- Storing hay away from other buildings - especially is chemicals, fuels, fertilisers or livestock are stored in there
- Keeping hay stored in stacks of at least 10 metres apart
- Storing hay with sufficient room between stack and roof lighting
- Checking bales regularly for any heat
They also say churning and moving hay can supply a bale with more oxygen to catch fire, and you are urged to call 999 for Cumbria Fire and Rescue if this happens.
Ian Seel, Area Manager from Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service said: “Farmers have really tight timelines to harvest and we know that these timelines can be very weather dependent.
“We had some great weather in May and June which provided farmers with the opportunity to harvest earlier than normal, and we fully appreciate that they have to take these opportunities when they can.
“What we don’t want to see if farmers losing their lives or livelihoods to fires that are avoidable.
“I would urge farmers to continuously assess the risk of fires starting on their property including arson prevention, separating other ignition sources such as heaters from within storage areas and monitoring hay bales for any excessive heat being generated."
James Airey, Cumbria NFU county adviser said: “The NFU is urging our members to check their hay bales and to contact their local fire service if they need help.
"Farmers should also take extra precautions given the increased risk such as having checked fire extinguishers on all vehicles involved in the harvest campaign and to put firebreaks in around fields as soon as they are harvested.
“Our county advisers and group secretaries also work with the fire service to host events on farm fire prevention, security and access to water and these safety briefings for NFU members and young farmers remain vitally important to safeguard people, livestock, buildings and crops.”