(ND Ag Connection) – By Scout Nelson

With warm and dry conditions in full swing, farmers must take extra precautions to prevent combine fires during harvest season. Angie Johnson, a farm safety coordinator at North Dakota State University Extension, emphasizes the importance of regular equipment maintenance to reduce fire risks. “No one wants to lose their combine or the remaining unharvested crop in the field due to fire,” Johnson says.

A key step in fire prevention is performing daily checks on your combine’s electric and hydraulic systems. Ensure wires and hoses are properly secured to avoid damage from moving parts. Hydraulic systems can develop leaks, leaving oil that can easily ignite when combined with crop dust.

Soybean dust is highly flammable and can accumulate on machinery, increasing the risk of fire. It’s crucial to clean your combine regularly using an air compressor or leaf blower to remove dust from high-risk areas like the engine and hydraulic compartments.

Johnson also advises using an infrared thermometer to monitor the temperature of bearings, which can overheat and cause fires if worn out. Installing an air intake kit helps keep dust out of the combine’s air system, reducing fire risks further.

Farmers should also avoid combining in extreme heat or dry conditions, especially when the wind speeds are high. Keeping two fully charged fire extinguishers on hand and parking equipment in areas with minimal vegetation can also help prevent fires from spreading.

“Do the best you can each day to keep your equipment clean and maintained,” Johnson advises. By taking these precautions, farmers can protect their harvest and ensure their safety during the critical harvest season.

For more fire prevention tips, visit NDSU’s website.