Farm Fire Safety Tips During Harvest

By Andi Anderson

The Midwest is on alert for increased risk of farm fires during harvest due to severe drought and current environmental conditions. Here are some farm fire safety tips from climate and agricultural safety experts at University of Illinois Extension, Illinois Water Survey, USDA Agricultural Research Service, NOAA, and Illinois Emergency Management Agency:

Safety Measures for Farmers

To safeguard lives and livelihoods during this high-risk period, it's crucial to adopt a proactive approach. Here are essential safety tips recommended by agricultural experts:

1. Weather Watch: Stay informed about the weather forecast. If dry and windy conditions are predicted, consider delaying farm activities until conditions improve.
2. Visible Farm Address: Ensure that your farm's address is clearly visible from the road, facilitating quick responses in case of emergencies.
3. Location Awareness: Always keep track of precise field identifications and locations to enhance communication during critical situations.
4. Firefighting Tools: Equip your farm with readily accessible water sources, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets to combat fires swiftly.
5. Fire Breaks: Prepare for emergencies by having the necessary tools on hand to create fire breaks if needed.
6. Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect, clean, and maintain all equipment to minimize potential fire hazards.
7. Building Safety: Enhance building safety by installing smoke detectors in farm structures, with alerts linked to mobile devices.
8. Livestock Planning: Develop a comprehensive plan to ensure the safety and well-being of all livestock on the farm.

Farm equipment fires, particularly those involving combines, represent a prevalent and costly threat to agricultural operations. Beyond the immediate risks to life and limb, such incidents can lead to the complete loss of equipment and crops, resulting in delays until suitable replacements are secured.

It's essential to recognize that farm materials like straw and hay can become combustible, electrical systems may have flaws, pumps can run dry, and quick repairs carry the risk of sparks that could ignite fires.

Ensuring the safety of farm buildings, assessing storage conditions, and prioritizing upkeep are vital steps to minimize fire risks during this critical period.

While the harvest season dominates the Midwest's agricultural calendar, making sound day-to-day decisions is paramount for both a profitable crop yield and a safe harvest period. Heightened awareness, meticulous preparation, and a strong commitment to safety can make all the difference in preserving lives and livelihoods.

For additional information and resources on managing farm fire risks, download the comprehensive fact sheet available at go.illinois.edu/FarmFireRisks. If you have further inquiries, feel free to reach out to your local agricultural extension services.

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