TWENTY-FIVE firefighters and eight fire units from Loch, Kernot/Grantville, Wonthaggi, Glen Alvie and Kongwak were called to a fire in freshly baled hay at Glen Alvie.
Incident Controller CFA Group Officer Damian O'Connor from the Bass Coast Group of Fire Brigades said the fire was a timely warning for farmers.
“If hay is cut too green it can overheat and catch fire spontaneously,” said Mr O'Connor.
Rain is currently affecting both the quality and progress of hay cutting in northern areas.
Group Officer O'Connor said it was a reminder to check the temperature of hay bales.
Agriculture Victoria recommends farmers insert a metal rod like a crowbar into the haystack for up to two hours to detect internal heat. If the rod feels hot to the touch after removal the hay may be dangerously warm.
Any temperature above 70°C indicates a fire risk and immediate action should be taken.
Spontaneous combustion in hay occurs when internal heat builds up to the point of ignition, as a result of microbial activity and chemical reactions. Unlike fires caused by lightning or machinery, spontaneous combustion is insidious, starting deep within a haystack or big square bale and smouldering unnoticed until it erupts into flames.
