Fireys stop hay fire in its tracks

Photo: Echuca Fire Brigade

 

A large fire has destroyed two sizeable haystacks in Echuca overnight, but firefighters successfully saved a nearby shed, silos and the third haystack.

 

Some 12 CFA units from Echuca, Northern Campaspe, Rochester, Bamawm, Kotta, Lockington and Tennyson fire brigades responded to the scene after crews were notified just before midnight, 22 November.

Crews arrived on scene along Echuca-Mitiamo Road to find a large hay shed and a significant amount of square hay bales fully involved.

Incident Controller and Echuca 2^nd Lieutenant Daniel Moylan said the shed was approximately 100m x 25m in size and the fire destroyed all hay bales inside it, as well as an adjoining stack as well.

“When we arrived, we immediately started cooling down the outside of the fully engulfed shed and tried to stop the fire from travelling towards the third haystack,” he said.

“Fortunately, we were able to pull the fire up in time and save the other shed and nearby silos.”

Lt Moylan said crews were on scene until around 4.30am.

“Every firefighter worked well on scene to achieve the best possible outcome,” he said.

“The burnt bales will smoulder over the coming days and smoke may be seen from a distance.”

Local crews were called to the same property the day before to assist with pulling apart bales that were self-combusting.

“There were a few bales that were a still moist inside and became very hot,” Lt Moylan said.

“Unfortunately, the fire last night was also caused by self-combustion and resulted in a very significant fire.”

The incident was a timely reminder for farmers to take care when baling and storing hay.

Learn more about hay and harvesting fire safety on the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/farms/hay-and-harvest-fire-safety.

 

Submitted by	CFA News & Media