With another hot, dry harvest season upon us, fire safety is once again becoming a major consideration for farming businesses.
In previous years, later harvests and more frequent August rainfall often reduced the risk of large-scale fires. However, increasingly hot and dry summers over the last five years have changed that picture considerably.
Having recently spent two weeks harvesting in central France, I saw first-hand the extensive fire prevention measures being adopted by French farming businesses during periods of extreme heat. The experience prompted me to reflect on the increasing fire risk facing UK agriculture and the importance of taking practical steps to reduce that risk.
In one area of France, covering around 50 kilometres, it was estimated that almost one combine was being destroyed by fire every day. Seeing that level of loss highlighted just how quickly fires can take hold during prolonged hot, dry conditions.
During the recent heatwave in France, where temperatures exceeded 40°C, many local authorities prohibited field operations between midday and 8pm. Farmers generally accepted the restrictions, recognising that with an early harvest and settled weather there was little benefit in exposing people or machinery to the hottest part of the day.
While the UK is unlikely to see the same restrictions, there are several practical measures being adopted by French farming businesses that could help reduce the risk of harvest fires here during another hot, dry season.
Planning Ahead
One of the most consistent themes was preparation.
Neighbouring farmers worked together to ensure cultivation equipment, such as heavy discs, was already positioned close to harvesting operations. Should a fire occur, a tractor could quickly be attached to create a fire break and help limit the spread.
Similarly, many farms kept water supplies immediately available. This ranged from slurry tankers and spray bowsers fitted with high-pressure hoses through to simple flatbed trailers carrying IBC tanks with pumps. Having equipment already connected to a tractor meant valuable time wasn’t lost during an emergency.
Good communication also proved essential. Mobile phones and two-way radios enabled neighbouring farms to respond quickly and support one another when needed. While this is never a substitute for calling the Fire and Rescue Service, having a documented emergency plan that everyone understands can make a significant difference during those critical first few minutes.
Keeping Machinery Clean
Modern combines are generally designed with improved airflow to reduce dust build-up. However, exhaust systems, emissions equipment and turbochargers can still operate at temperatures of 500–600°C, creating an obvious ignition risk when working in extremely dry crops.
Today’s combines cover significantly larger acreages than their predecessors, meaning the loss of a single machine can have a major operational impact during harvest.
Many farming businesses now have mobile compressors readily available, making it relatively straightforward to blow down combines throughout the day. Taking just ten or fifteen minutes to remove dust and chaff two or three times daily may prove far less costly than dealing with a machinery fire and the disruption it causes.
Other Practical Considerations
Other measures that may help reduce the likelihood or impact of a fire include:
- Use of leaf blowers to blow flames back onto already burnt areas.
- Installing automatic fire suppression systems within combine engine compartments.
- Carrying long-handled fire beaters for tackling small fires where it is safe to do so.
- Keeping suitable portable fire extinguishers or fire sticks readily accessible.
- Reminding trailer drivers that they play an equally important role in spotting early warning signs. They are often the first to notice smoke or smell something unusual, so remaining alert throughout the day is essential.
Working as a Team
There is no single solution to preventing harvest fires, and every farm will have different risks and operating arrangements.
One of the most important steps is ensuring everyone involved in harvest understands what to do should a fire occur, and that those responsibilities have been discussed before the season begins. It is also worth speaking with neighbouring farms in advance about how you might support one another if the worst were to happen.
Where temperatures become exceptionally high, some businesses may also wish to consider whether harvesting during the hottest part of the day remains appropriate, particularly if work can continue during the cooler evening, night or early morning conditions.
Having seen first-hand the impact that harvest fires can have, I firmly believe that a little preparation before the season starts can make a significant difference if the unexpected happens.
Prevention is Always Preferable
Insurance may help with the financial consequences of machinery or crop losses, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy, but it cannot replace lost harvest time, disruption to the business or the stress that follows a serious fire. Wherever possible, preventing a loss is always the better outcome.
Need Support with Harvest Risk Management?
Preparing for harvest isn’t just about having the right insurance in place – it’s about planning ahead and managing risk before problems arise.
Through Acres Risk Management, Kyle Phillips works directly with farming businesses to review operational risks, emergency procedures and practical measures that may help reduce the likelihood and impact of incidents during harvest. From reviewing fire prevention arrangements and emergency planning to supporting wider farm risk management, the aim is to help businesses protect their people, machinery and operations.
If you’d like to discuss your harvest preparations or arrange a farm risk management review, Kyle and the Acres Risk Management team would be pleased to help.
