FIRE authorities have urged Mallee farmers to exercise caution when cutting, baling and storing hay, after dozens of fires last year.
The CFA said Victorian farmers had a spring in their step with the onset of strong seasonal growth of pastures and crops.
The recent seasonal outlook for spring, released late last month by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council (AFAC), showed that average to above average rainfall was expected to promote strong vegetation growth across the state during spring.
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the forecast indicated farmers could expect greater yields and hopefully a successful hay season.
“Add to that the current high demand for hay – in part due to the mouse plague in NSW wreaking havoc on stored hay in that state – and a lot of farmers are growing hay right across Victoria right now,” he said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or getting into it more recently, it’s really important to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.”
CFA volunteer firefighters responded to dozens of haystack fires across the state last year.
Mr Heffernan said haystack fires could start easily from lightning strikes or sparks from equipment and machinery, but a major source of ignition was spontaneous combustion of the haybales themselves.
Spontaneous combustion can occur when hay has either not properly dried before baling, or has been exposed to rain or damp conditions, meaning moisture content in the bales is higher than the recommended levels.
“This can happen to any hay bales, regardless of size, and it is something farmers can help prevent,” CO Heffernan said.
“After baling, make sure you check the heat and smell of the bales before stacking them into haysheds or large external stacks, and leave any suspect bales separate from the rest.
“By doing so, you’re not just protecting yourself from the financial impact of losing valuable fodder, you’ll also be helping your local brigade and community.
“Haystack fires often occupy crucial firefighting resources during the season when CFA volunteer firefighters are required to monitor haystack fires for several days to make sure smouldering fires don’t spread.”
