Tips for a Fire-Free Harvest Season for Producers

Dry crops and unseasonably warm temperatures pose a likely scenario for increased combine and tractor fires during harvest.

Eric Vanasdale, COUNTRY Financial senior loss control specialist, urged farmers to follow proper cleaning and lubrication schedules as well as staying alert to watch for signs of fire.

“If you discover a fire, call 911. Try to pull away from the crops and use a fire extinguisher on small fires. Don’t risk your safety fighting an out-of-control fire,” Vanasdale advised. “Check with your insurance agent to make sure you have enough machinery rental coverage to help you finish harvest, should you suffer one of these unfortunate fires.”

Kevin Frye, GROWMARK safety services manager, urged farmers to monitor bearings. He noted improper lubrication typically leads to bearing failure. Overheated bearings can cause machinery and field fires, he added.

Iowa State and Purdue University safety specialists offer the following tips to keep you safe during harvest. 

- Personal safety is more important than property loss. 

- Keep the combine clean, particularly around the engine and engine compartment. Use a high-pressure washer or compressed air to remove caked-on oil, grease and crop residue.

- Check coolant and oil levels daily.

- Check the pressurized oil supply line to the turbocharger for wear areas that rub and may start an oil leak.

- Maintain the electrical system. Keep a close eye on components that draw heavy electrical loads, such as starter motors and heating/cooling systems. Pay attention to warning signs that a circuit is overheating if fuses blow regularly.

- Frequently blow leaves, chaff and plant material from the engine area with compressed air or a portable leaf blower. Doing this at night may prove easier than in the morning when dew may make it harder to blow off residue.

- Remove plant material wrapped on or near bearings, belts or other moving parts.

- Examine exhaust or hot bearing surfaces. Repair leaking fuel or oil hoses, fittings or metal lines immediately.

- Inspect and clean ledges or recessed areas near fuel tanks and line.

- Prior to fueling, wait 15 minutes to reduce the risk of a spill volatizing and igniting.

- Keep a cell phone with you at all times. 

- Have two, ABC-type fire extinguishers – a 10-pound unit in the combine cab and a 20-pound unit at ground level on the combine. Shake extinguishers once or twice during the season to ensure machine vibrations don’t compact the powder inside.

- Keep a shovel on hand to throw dirt.

- Create an emergency plan that includes a course of action for harvest crews and neighbors to take in creating a tillage fire break.