Crop farmers are being urged by the CFA to take proactive steps such as more frequent header cleaning to reduce the risk of harvester fires in the coming weeks.
The warning comes as more municipalities across the region enter the Fire Danger Period.
The Fire Danger Period will begin at 1am on Monday, November 18 for Mitchell Shire and Murrindindi Shire.
CFA District 12 assistant chief fire officer Stephen Keating said the Mitchell and Murrindindi shires had experienced a significant lack of rainfall over the past eight months and the community should be aware of the risks.
“With the onset of the warmer weather and the seasonal grass beginning to dry out, fires are now igniting and developing with ease,” Mr Keating said.
“CFA needs communities to ensure they have prepared properties and a fire plan.”
Fire Danger Periods are already in effect for Moira Shire, City of Greater Shepparton, Strathbogie Shire, Campaspe Shire, Loddon Shire and Gannawarra Shire. FDPs in Benalla Rural City, Mansfield Shire and Wangaratta Rural City start on November 18.
Last fire season, CFA responded to 27 header fires across Victoria.
Low rainfall, frost damage and dry soil presents significant challenges for the 2024-25 harvest season, elevating fire risks in key agricultural areas.
CFA Gannawarra group officer Jack Hewitt — an experienced cereal, sheep and hay farmer — said this year’s conditions required greater caution.
“This season, with crops a bit lower, headers will be taking on more dirt, meaning farmers need to clean their headers more frequently to prevent dust build-up,” Mr Hewitt said.
“Fine dust from pulse crops like lentils and lupins can accumulate around the engine and exhaust system, and if it heats up, it can smoulder and potentially ignite spot fires, particularly in windrows.”
Farmers are urged to stay alert for any unusual sounds and to be fully prepared to act in case of a fire by carrying fire extinguishers with them.
"With extra dirt, bearings can wear out and fail more quickly, adding to fire risks,“ Mr Hewitt said.
“If you hear any unusual noises from your header, don't ignore them, walk around the machine and check for excessive heat.
"It’s important to keep a fire extinguisher in your header so you can act immediately if a fire starts."
CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said everyone needed to focus on equipment maintenance and fire-safe practices.
"During the last Fire Danger Period, CFA responded to 114 vegetation fires caused by machinery and vehicles, including slashers, tractors, ride-on mowers, caravans and trailers,” Mr Heffernan said.
“By prioritising equipment maintenance and simple safety protocols, we can significantly cut down on these preventable fires.”
For more information, go to: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/operating-farmingmachinery-equipment-and-vehicles
For information about Fire Danger Periods, go to: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warnings-restrictions/fire-danger-period/fire-restriction-dates
For information about fire survival plans, got to: www.cfa/vic.gov.au/bushfireplan
STAY FIRE SAFE WITH MACHINERY
• The most common cause of harvester fires is material collecting on hot engine components such as the manifold, exhaust and turbocharger.
• Make it part of your routine to check for straw or grass build-up, and hot bearings.
• Make sure your machinery is free of faults and mechanical defects.
• Postpone paddock work during the highest fire-risk periods. On hot, dry days, exercise extreme caution before harvesting, grinding, welding, slashing or mowing.
• The key to avoiding harvester fires is diligence in maintenance such as clean-down and inspection.
• During paddock operations have the appropriate firefighting equipment in place. You’re required by law to have a 9-litre water pressured extinguisher on hand.
• Avoid driving vehicles and motorbikes through dry grass or crop — the risk from the hot exhaust system is high.