For
Immediate Release: August
23, 2017
BLM offers tips on preventing combine wildfires
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho – As wheat and
barley farmers prepare for the harvest season, firefighters are also preparing
for the possibility of wildfires caused by combines. Combine wildfires can be
devastating, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and
often resulting in the total loss of the vehicle. The Bureau of Land Management
reminds farmers that preventive maintenance is the key to reducing the chances
of harvest season wildfires, in addition to prolonging equipment life.
“Every year around grain harvest
time, we see an increase in agriculture-related fires,” said Kevin Conran, fire mitigation and
education manager with the BLM Idaho Falls District. “To prevent a
wildfire, farmers should regularly inspect their combines’ machinery, fuel
lines and electrical systems during harvest season.”
Barley and wheat farmers can help
reduce the number of vehicle-caused wildfires by:
●
Keeping the machine from overheating
by removing dry plant material that gets clogged or wrapped around it.
●
Servicing equipment at the end of a
day, which will help detect overheating components and even prevent smoldering
fires that might erupt in the night.
●
When checking the oil, quickly
scanning any exposed electrical wiring for damage or signs of deterioration,
replacing any worn or malfunctioning electrical component with proper parts
from a dealer.
●
Maintaining heavy-draw electrical
components such as starter motors, remote actuators and heating and cooling
systems. Keeping these components in good order eliminates a source of ignition
for a fire.
●
Checking and repairing any fuses
that blow regularly. When a fuse blows this should be considered an important
warning sign that a circuit is probably overheating.
●
Keeping an eye out for leaks. Even
small leaks in a fuel or hydraulic system can cause a small fire to become a
large one in seconds.
Farmers should always have a
cellphone or two-way radio in the cab in case a fire starts. Combines and other
large units should also have at least two 10-pound, type ABC fire extinguishers
installed. These extinguishers should be inspected regularly to make sure the
lock pin is intact, tamper seals are unbroken and the tank is still full.
A second line of defense is to have
a tractor and disc on standby to create a firebreak around the combine. This
can help keep the flames from spreading across the field or to neighboring
properties.
For breaking fire information, follow
@BLMIdahoFire on Twitter and search for #BLMIFDFire for posts specifically
related to eastern Idaho. For additional wildfire updates, Firewise
information, and fire prevention tips visit www.IdahoFireInfo.com. One less spark means one less Idaho wildfire.
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