Harvest season is right around the corner and according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, the majority of the state is in a severe drought or worse. These abnormally dry conditions could enhance the potential for combine and field fires this fall. Low relative humidity levels and high winds will further increase the risk of fires. Fires cause millions of dollars in property damage, including loss of machinery, crops, and time. Unfortunately, injuries to farm workers and firefighters may also occur.
Modern combines are powerful machines, which means they can produce excessive amounts of heat. All it takes to start a fire is a single high-temperature source in the engine area or an overheated bearing to ignite some dry plant material. While it’s impossible to remove the heat from the engine, hydraulics, and other hard-working systems, you can minimize the risk of fires by taking a few minutes and following these fire prevention steps and safety tips.
Prevention Steps:
Keep the machine clean, particularly around the engine and engine compartment. Use a high pressure washer or compressed air to remove caked-on oil, grease, and crop residue.
Frequently check air filters, ensuring that they stay clean; either by blowing them out or replacing them. This will help the engine run cooler and more efficient.
Check coolant and oil levels daily. Pay close attention to engine and hydrostatic pump parts as well.
Check the pressurized oil supply line to the turbocharger for wear areas that rub and may start an oil leak.
At the end of each day blow leaves, chaff and plant material from the engine area with either compressed air or a portable leaf blower. Waiting until the next morning to do this may be more difficult because of the dew.
Remove plant materials wrapped on or near any bearings, belts, chains, or other moving parts.
Examine the exhaust or any hot bearing surfaces. Repair leaking fuel or oil hoses, fittings or metal lines immediately.
Inspect and clean ledges or recessed areas near fuel tanks and lines. Prior to refueling, turn the combine off and wait 15 minutes to reduce the risk of a spill volatilizing and igniting.
Research from South Dakota State University suggests that if we have dry conditions and start experiencing wind speeds close to 30 mph and above, fires may be inevitable. During these periods producers should consider delaying harvest until evening hours when winds decrease or wait for precipitation.
Higher humidity levels may also reduce the potential for field fires to spread.
Safety Tips:
In case of fire, turn off the engine, get away from the machine, and call 911. Then attack with fire extinguishers if it is safe to do so. Try to fight from the “black," the area already burned. Attacking a fire from areas with combustibles (e.g. dry corn stalks) is much riskier. Always stay upwind of a fire to minimize the risk of exposure from smoke, heat, and possible flames.
A fire can double in size in less than a minute. Burning embers blown downwind can easily spread a fire well beyond the control of your fire extinguishers in just seconds. So be aware of possible additional fires.
Source: iastate.edu
Photo Credit: gettyimages-gueholl
Categories: Iowa, Harvesting, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety