CFA urges hay safety after thousands of bales lost

Hay season has been in full swing across the west and north-west in the past weeks but is now beginning across the rest of the state too.    

This warning comes after three significant haystack fires in the north-west of the state where thousands of bales were lost.  

On Sunday, 9 November CFA responded to a hayshed fire in Towaninny South, near Dumosa, at about 1pm.  

Firefighters arrived to a large hay shed well alight, impacting over 1,000 bales.  

The incident was handed back to the land owner within a few hours but the bales can burn for days and cause a lot of smoke in the area.  

Crews have also responded four other major a hay fires this week in Patchewollock, Robinvale, and Bagshot.    

Between 30 June 2024, and 1 July 2025, CFA responded to 73 haystack and hay shed fires in regional areas. 

Haystack fires are often caused by spontaneous combustion when hay is baled with excess moisture. High moisture levels, combined with the compact nature of hay bales, can create internal heat, leading to ignition.   

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan reinforced that early preparation and proper storage are essential in reducing the risk of haystack fires. 

“Farmers who have decided to carry on with hay production need to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and for the future storage and transport of the product as well,” he said. 

“Hay fires are a real threat to properties and stock in farmland areas. Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or switching to hay this year, it’s important to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.  

“Use technology to monitor your haystacks regularly, temperature probes can provide an early warning, detecting heating hay and alerting. 

"Haystack fires can have far-reaching effects beyond individual properties, impacting neighbouring farms and emergency services.   

“Make sure you store your hay in separate stacks or in sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings to prevent the spread of fire.”   

For more information, visit CFA’s website or contact your local CFA brigade for advice on haystack safety.