By Jean-Paul MacDonald
Farms.com
Every year, incidents of combine fires during the harvest season are reported. These fires pose a significant risk to farmers, their equipment, and the overall productivity of their operations. It is crucial for farmers to prioritize fire safety measures to prevent such incidents and protect their livelihoods.
Common Causes of Combine Fires:
To effectively prevent combine fire, it's crucial to understand their root causes. By addressing these causes, farmers can implement proactive measures to minimize the risk. Let's explore the most common causes of combine fires:
1. Mechanical Failures
Mechanical failures, such as faulty bearings, worn-out belts, or damaged fuel lines, can lead to heat build-up and eventual ignition. Regular maintenance and inspections of the combine's mechanical components are essential to identify and rectify potential issues before they escalate into fires.
2. Electrical Malfunctions
Electrical malfunctions, such as short circuits or damaged wiring, pose a significant fire hazard. Ensuring that the combine's electrical system is properly maintained, with regular checks for frayed wires or loose connections, can help prevent these malfunctions.
3. Ignition of Dry Crop Residue
Dry crop residue left in the combine after harvesting can ignite easily. A spark from the machinery or a hot exhaust component can quickly set the residue ablaze. Thoroughly cleaning the combine after each use, particularly in areas where crop residue accumulates, significantly reduces the risk of fires.
4. Fuel or Oil Leaks
Fuel or oil leaks create a highly flammable environment around the combine. Regularly inspecting fuel and oil lines for leaks, promptly fixing any identified issues, and ensuring proper containment and disposal of spilled fuel or oil are essential preventive measures.
5. Overheated Bearings
Bearings in combines can overheat due to lack of lubrication or excessive friction. Regularly greasing bearings and ensuring they are properly adjusted and aligned can prevent overheating and potential fires.
6. Improper Storage
Improperly storing a combine or parking it near flammable materials, such as dry crops or hay bales, increases the risk of fires. Always Park combines designated areas away from potential ignition sources and flammable materials.
Effective Fire Prevention Strategies:
1. Maintain cleanliness:
Regularly power wash combines to eliminate grease, oil, and crop residue. Additionally, use leaf blowers to clear chaff, leaves, and other crop materials from bearings, belts, and moving parts.
2. Remove potential heat sources:
Inspect and repair exposed electrical wiring, worn bearings, belts, and chains. These areas should be checked periodically to ensure their optimal condition.
3. Temperature monitoring:
Employ an infrared thermometer to monitor temperatures. Bearings and belts exceeding 180 degrees Fahrenheit can cause damage, while temperatures reaching 300 degrees Fahrenheit require immediate shutdown.
4. Parking precautions:
Avoid parking hot combines in sheds or shops to prevent potential flare-ups.
5. Electrical line inspection:
Regularly inspect electrical lines for bare wires, rodent damage, rubbing, or insulation melting. Consider using heat-resistant insulation and implementing measures to discharge static electricity, such as using a chain.
Preparation:
1. Fire extinguisher readiness:
Keep a fully charged, 10-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher with UL approval in the combine cab. Have it professionally checked annually. Additionally, mount a second, larger fire extinguisher and a shovel on the exterior of the combine, easily accessible from the ground.
2. Extinguisher maintenance:
Regularly recharge partially discharged extinguishers to ensure their effectiveness.
3. Emergency communication:
Carry a cell phone at all times for immediate emergency communication.
4. Fire response plan:
Have a well-defined plan in case of a fire. This includes turning off the engine, grabbing the fire extinguisher and phone, promptly exiting the combine, and seeking help while maintaining a safe distance.
Practicality:
1. Prioritize personal safety:
In the event of a fire, prioritize your own safety and evacuate the combine immediately.
2. Emergency contact:
Call 911 before attempting to extinguish the fire.
3. Firefighting approach:
Direct extinguishing materials at the base of the fire and approach with caution, as small fires can rapidly escalate.
4. Field fire containment:
If the fire spreads in the field, consider creating a tilled strip around it as a barrier.
5. Water-filled sprayer:
In dry seasons, consider filling a sprayer with water to create a perimeter in case of a small fire.
It is essential to be mindful of weather conditions, as the study by Thelen and her team revealed that 48.5% of combine fires occurred between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., when temperatures are at their highest and relative humidity is lowest. As you prepare for the 2023 harvest season, take proactive measures to prevent combine fires, and always prioritize safety in case of an emergency.
For additional information on farm safety and best management practices, please visit the following link: https://www.farms.com/farm-safety/