Fall Prep & Harvest Fire Safety: Protecting Equipment and Fields
As late summer turns to fall across Logan County, harvest season is right around the corner. For our agricultural community in New Holland, this means long hours in the fields with heavy machinery, high temperatures, and dry crop residue—a combination that significantly increases the risk of field and equipment fires.
The New Holland Fire Department wants to remind local farmers, equipment operators, and landowners of essential fire safety practices to keep this harvest season safe and productive.
1. Daily Equipment Maintenance & Cleanup
Debris buildup on hot engine parts is one of the most common triggers for combine and tractor fires.
- Blow Down Equipment: Use compressed air or a leaf blower at the end of each day to clear chaff, leaves, dust, and dry crop material from engine compartments, exhaust manifolds, and belt drives.
- Inspect Wiring & Fluid Lines: Look for cracked hydraulic hoses, leaking fuel lines, or frayed electrical wiring. A high-pressure hydraulic leak spraying onto a hot exhaust can ignite instantly.
- Check Bearings and Belts: Overheated bearings and slipping drive belts create intense friction heat. Monitor for unusual noises, burning rubber smells, or excess heat during operation.
2. Carry Working Fire Extinguishers
When a fire starts in a field or combine, minutes—and even seconds—matter before the department arrives.
- Keep Two Extinguishers On Board: Mount at least one 10 lb ABC multi-purpose fire extinguisher in the cab and another at ground level on the machine.
- Check the Pressure Gauges: Ensure your extinguishers are fully charged, undamaged, and that the pin is secured before heading into the field.
- Invert Extinguishers Monthly: Turn your fire extinguishers upside down and shake them periodically to prevent the dry chemical powder inside from compacting due to machine vibration.
3. Field Safety & Emergency Planning
A fast-moving field fire can spread rapidly across dry stubble, especially on windy days.
- Know Your Location: Make sure everyone on the crew knows the precise field location or nearest rural road intersection to provide to 911 dispatchers in an emergency.
- Keep Water & Tillage Equipment Handy: Having a tractor hooked up to a disk or chisel plow nearby allows you to quickly cut a firebreak if a spot fire breaks out in a dry field.
- Mind the Wind: Avoid burning off ditches or performing hot work (welding/grinding) outdoors on low-humidity, high-wind days.
Free Home Safety Check Reminder
While preparing your equipment for the season, don't forget your home's fire safety! Smoke alarms older than 10 years must be replaced.
Through the "Be Alarmed!" program, the New Holland Fire Department provides and installs free 10-year sealed lithium battery smoke detectors for all residents within our district.
Schedule your free installation: Call us at (217) 445-2341 or reach out via newhollandfire.com.
Have a safe and bountiful harvest, New Holland! In any emergency, never hesitate to dial 911 immediately
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