As producers move into harvest season, there are several fire hazards to be aware of.
Fort Assiniboine Deputy Fire Chief, Dustin Williams, provided three tips that can help the fire department locate and address fires that occur while harvesting and help prevent fires that can flare up.
He said it is important to know your legal land description of the field a farmer is working in.
“I think people are pretty good at knowing their address when they're at home,” said Williams.
“If a fire wereto occur in one of their fields when you're talking to 911 having the legal land address can give them the specific location is important,” said Williams.
On properties, there is often a blue sign posted for reference, but with farmer fields, there may not be a blue sign posted.
A 911 operator will ask for the legal land description for firefighters to locate the fire as quickly as possible.
If farmers have this information available to them, it can make all the difference in getting the right resources to the location to battle the fire.
The chief also said it is important to know the fastest route to get into the field.
“It's important if we have a route to get there to be able to help,” said Williams.
We are taught in school to have a plan in case of fire that outlines the escape routes in our homes.
If a fire happens in a field, if the producer can identify which access point is the best and quickest route for trained personnel to get to the location, it can make all the difference.
Providing additional information to the 911 operator will save time for the firefighters trying to get to the fire.
Fire preparedness is important on a farm, Williams said.
“Having fire extinguishers mounted on the farm equipment, if at all possible, is an excellent safeguard,” said Williams.
This year’s dry conditions make it especially important for producers to watch for potential fire hazards.
When farmers are working with hay, straw, wheat, and field fire risk, there are steps that can be taken to be prepared.
Field fires can start from hot bearings, hot exhaust, or belts that have gotten excessively hot in tractors, harvest equipment or balers. Sparks coming from metal striking rocks can start field fires, and overheated farming equipment can catch fire in the field said Williams.
The Government of Alberta recommends pre- and post-inspection of farm equipment to look for fire hazards, including debris, build-up on the engine and parts and the exhaust system.
Signs of leaking fluids can be a potential hazard, and leaks should be addressed before using equipment.
Dry stubble in the field and low humidity can create fire risks.
Friction creates heat during regular baling or if equipment is having mechanical problems.
That heat can turn into a fire situation and fire extinguishers can be a quick solution before the fire gets out of hand.
Hay, straw or wheat bales can start on fire internally when temperatures inside the bales rise.
There can be a musty or sweet caramel smell that comes from the bales.
Visible smoke and or steam can be seen rising from bale stacks when internal temperatures are too high.
Producers use different baling and storage techniques to avoid fire hazards.
They will monitor the moisture before beginning to bale.
Farmers check bale temperatures regularly using a thermometer probe to monitor internal bale temperatures.
A good idea is to keep fire extinguishers on field equipment and near hay shelters.
When using a fire extinguisher, remember the PASS method.
PASS means Pull the pin, A at the base of the fire, Squeeze the operating handle and Sweep the hose end slowly from side to side.
Keeping farm equipment maintained and watching for hot spots when in use is proactive.
