Haystack fires have been reported on Mills Road, Narin and Bayunga Rd, Dhurringile.
Farmers and agricultural workers are reminded that hay should not be harvested and baled when damp or moist, such as harvesting in the early morning.
It also advised that air gaps are left between bales, that bales are not stacked to the roof, and that no other machinery, such as tractors, or flammable materials, such as petrol or diesel, should be stored in the same shed as hay.
These haystack fires may continue to burn until Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
There is also a fire at Lavers Hill-Cobden Rd, Chapple Vale, that is currently under control. Firefighters are currently patrolling this fire.
A grassfire at the Bay Trail, Port Melbourne, directly under the West Gate Bridge, is now under control. Firefighters remain on the scene extinguishing hot spots.
Haystack Tips
- Ensure hay is well cured before baling;
- Know the history of the hay you purchase;
- Keep haystacks to a limited size and separate your haystacks;
- Monitor the moisture and temperature of your hay regularly;
- Watch for unusual odours such as pipe tobacco, caramel, burning or musty smells;
- Store hay in separate stacks or sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings;
- Keep your hay dry. Protect it from rain, leaking rooves or spouts, and runoff. Cover stacks with tarps or hay caps; and
- Don’t stack hay right to the top of a hay shed. Allow some air to circulate at the top – as this helps to carry away moisture.
Temperature Guide (degree Celsius) – what to do when your hay is overheating
Use a thermometer in a probe or insert a crowbar into the middle of the stack for 2 hours.
- Less than 50 Can handle the crowbar without discomfort
Check temperature daily.
- 50 - 60 Can only handle crowbar for short time
Check temperature twice daily.
- 60 - 70 Can touch bar only briefly
Check temperature every 2 – 4 hours. Move hay to improve air flow.
- Over 70 Bar is too hot to hold Potential for fire. Call 000 immediately. Avoid walking on top of haystack. At this stage pulling apart the hay may provide the oxygen it needs to ignite.
