Journalist: Michelle Daw

THE potential for a bumper harvest on Yorke Peninsula this season, and a fire at Brentwood which resulted in $80,000 damage, have prompted a reminder to growers from the CFS about haystack fire safety.

The Brentwood, Minlaton, Edithburgh, Warooka, Stansbury, and Port Vincent CFS brigades responded to the fire, which destroyed 420 bales of hay, on Tuesday, December 13.

Crews were able to save 450 bales, valued at $100,000.

CFS state duty commander Ray Jackson said the fire was caused by combustion within the bales.

He reminded growers to take care storing hay correctly and to regularly monitor moisture levels and check for signs of overheating.

Mr Jackson said this was particularly important now, given that continuing favourable conditions were making this year’s harvest a potential record-breaker.

“Just one damp bale is enough to ignite a haystack, so make sure you protect all bales from rain, runoff, leaking roofs and gutters,” he said.

“If some bales become damp, they should be stored separately and closely monitored.”

Haystacks should be limited in size and have enough airflow to allow heat and moisture to escape.

“If you get hay from another area, make sure you know the history and moisture content of the hay before you store it,” Mr Jackson said.

“Be careful when using vehicles, machinery and equipment near haystacks, especially during days of high fire danger.

“Be aware that hot hay may suddenly catch alight if it is pulled apart, so if any part of the stack is near or above 70 degrees Celsius or you see or smell smoke, you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.”