Sussex farmers encouraged to take 'extreme care' during very dry harvest
NFU Mutual estimate farm fires cost almost £100 million, last year
Farmers across Sussex are being encouraged to take extreme care this harvest- with this summers two heatwaves and a lack of rainfall, meaning farm fires are now even more likely.
The warning comes from the agricultural insurers, NFU Mutual who estimate that these blazes cost almost £100 million, last year.
They also saw a 35% rise in combine fire claims since the summer of 2021, as well. A surge which took the estimate total for last year up to £37 million.
"One small spark can cause hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage"
Andrew Chalk is from the group.
Mr Chalk told us that many are currently working a tight-rope:
"It's a really important time for farmers because its when their harvesting gets done and when they make their money. But it's also when conditions are drier than any other time of the year and that does increase the risk. It's nothing something that farmers are unprepared for, but we have seen unprecedented heat this summer, with this comes addition risks and it's something that farmers have definitely been feeling".
"They are using things like combine harvesters- which are fast-moving, hot machinery which is dragging through dry grass and gathering lots of dust. So, a single spark can set that all alight. We are seeing a big spike in combine harvester and farm fires, one small spark can cause hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage".
"Make sure you have an agreed fire safety plan"
He says there's many sensible steps they can take, to prevent potential disaster:
"It's harvest time so farmers can't stop working, but please make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your cab, make sure you are regularly cleaning down your harvester, make sure you have an agreed fire safety plan with your contractors and any other workers you've got on your fire- so if there is a spark you can deal with it and make sure it doesn't get out of hand".
"So it's about keeping flammable materials as separate as they can be, so that's things like- large stores of fodder, large stores of fertiliser and fuels. Keep them away from anything that might cause a spark".