General News
22 November, 2025
Farmers lead the way in harvest fire prevention
As harvest ramps up across the Wimmera, fire brigades are reminding farmers that prevention and early suppression are the best defence against harvest fires.
The advice is a timely reminder, given the region saw its second Total Fire Ban day on November 13.
The Voluntary Grain Harvesting Guide, developed by the Country Fire Authority and the Victorian Farmers' Federation, helps operators determine when conditions are too hazardous to continue harvesting.
The guide provides farmers with a practical method for assessing risk by comparing temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed.
When the average wind speed exceeds the recommended threshold, harvesting should be suspended.
The guide applies to all grain harvesting and handling operations conducted in the paddock, including headers, augers, dryers, and grain transport vehicles.
CFA District officers say that fire safety should form a core part of every harvest management plan.
Farmers are urged to brief workers and contractors on their responsibilities, the location of fire equipment, and the procedures to follow in the event of a fire breakout.
Maintaining two-way communication and keeping water carts close to the harvest area are essential steps in early fire control.
Routine maintenance is another critical element.
Checking bearings, belts and other wear points before and during harvest can prevent ignition caused by friction or dust build-up.
Clean the machine regularly; the frequency depends on the ambient temperature and the type of crop being harvested.
Crops such as lentils and lupins need more frequent clean-downs than cereals.
This is because their residue is more likely to adhere to hot surfaces, making them more prone to ignition and fire.
The CFA also recommends creating a fuel break of at least four metres around paddocks, keeping machinery clean, and reducing header speeds slightly on hotter days to lower temperatures.
“Having firefighting gear ready is as important as having your machinery in good order,” the CFA advised.
A fire typically happens when you get a build-up of dust and debris on the exhaust manifold or turbo.
Modern equipment's exhaust temperatures can reach over 600°C, which is significantly higher than those of older machinery.
To mitigate fire risk, reducing ground speed by one or two kilometres per hour can lower these temperatures below the ignition point of most crops.
Farmers should keep a fully charged dry powder extinguisher on every vehicle and at least one large water extinguisher on each header.
A farm firefighting unit with 250 litres of water should always be available in the paddock.
Operators are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and local fire danger ratings via the Bureau of Meteorology, ABC Radio, or the VicEmergency app.
When temperatures rise, humidity drops and winds increase, the safest choice is to pause harvesting until conditions ease.
In the event of a harvester fire, farmers should immediately call 000. If safe to do so, move the machinery to a fuel-reduced area to stop flames spreading.
By combining vigilance, communication and maintenance, farmers can protect their machinery, crops and communities, and keep the region’s most crucial season running safely.