Harvest is one of the busiest times of year on the farm, and combine fires can pose a serious risk to people, equipment and crops. Regular inspections, cleaning and safe operating practices can help prevent fires and keep everyone safer during harvest. Taking a few simple precautions before and during harvest, along with knowing what to do if a fire starts, can help reduce the risk and keep people safe.
Before You Head to the Field
A pre-operational inspection should be part of the daily harvest routine. Before heading to the field, take a few minutes to walk around the combine and check for:
- Buildup of crop residue, dust and debris around the engine, exhaust system, belts and chains
- Damaged or worn parts
- Leaking oil, fuel or other fluids
- Clogged air filters
- Parts that are poorly lubricated
- Excess lubricant around heat sources
- Low fluid levels
- Worn electrical wiring or loose connections
Take care of any necessary cleaning, repairs or maintenance before heading into the field.
Keep Equipment Clean and Monitor It Throughout the Day
Even if everything looks good during the pre-operational inspection, continue monitoring the combine throughout the day. Use breaks to walk around the machine and check that everything remains in good working condition. Unusual smells can also be an indication that something needs attention.
Crop residue, dust and dirt can accumulate quickly during harvest. Use a portable leaf blower or air compressor to regularly remove debris from the combine. A buildup of crop residue is a common contributor to combine fires, as heat and friction can ignite dry material. Make time to clean off machinery at least a couple of times throughout the day, or more often when debris is accumulating quickly.
Operating conditions can also contribute to overheating. Avoid putting unnecessary stress on the engine by operating within the manufacturer's recommended limits. Reducing ground speed when unloading can also help reduce the load on the engine and keep it operating at a lower temperature.
When possible, park equipment on a fire-resistant surface or in a recently disked area away from standing stubble and unharvested crops.
Do not overlook vehicles and other equipment used around the field. Keep them free of crop residue and, when possible, park them away from standing stubble or other dry vegetation. Before leaving a vehicle unattended, check for any signs of overheating, leaks or other issues that could create a fire risk.
Refuel Safely
Refueling may seem like a routine task, but doing it improperly can create a serious fire risk. Hot machinery, spilled fuel and fuel vapours can quickly turn a routine task into a dangerous situation.
Before refueling:
- Turn off the engine and allow it to cool before refueling
- Clean up any fuel spills immediately
- Avoid entering the machinery while refueling, as static electricity can potentially ignite fuel vapours
- Keep fuel away from hot engine components and other potential ignition sources
What to Do in Case of a Combine Fire
If a fire starts while a combine is in use, shut off the engine, exit the machine and call for help as soon as you are safely away.
Everyone working during harvest should have a cellphone or two-way radio with them so they can communicate with others in an emergency.
If it is safe to do so, you can use a fire extinguisher to attempt to put out the fire. Always approach any fire with extreme caution, as a fire that appears small can become difficult to control very quickly.
Do not put yourself at risk trying to save equipment. If a fire is in a hard-to-reach area, is spreading quickly or cannot be safely controlled, move to a safe location and wait for firefighters to arrive.
Safety Comes First
While it is impossible to eliminate every fire risk on the farm, regular maintenance, frequent cleaning and safe operating practices can go a long way toward preventing combine fires.
No equipment or task is ever worth risking a life.
Learn More
- Safety Advice: Combine Maintenance & Fires - Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
- Preventing and Responding to Combine Fires - Oregon State University