Header fire a good reminder

On Tuesday, 9 December CFA crews responded to a grass fire on McPhersons Road in Lilliput around 2pm.  

On arrival crews discovered 800 meters of running fire in a paddock. Due to the size of the fire, 22 CFA units responded to the incident along with water aircraft. Victoria Police was also on scene for traffic control.  

CFA’s response was also greatly supported by Fire Rescue Victoria and NSW Rural Fire Service crews.  

Crews also undertook asset protection for nearby structures, luckily thanks to the good work of crews there were no reported losses.  

The cause of the fire was determined as the mechanical header working in the paddock.  

The incident was declared under control at 3.37pm and safe at 6.18pm.  

Deputy Chief Officer for North East Region, Gavin Thompson, said this incident serves as a good reminder to make machinery safety a priority.  

“This season, with low rainfall and dry soil, headers will be taking on more dirt, meaning farmers need to clean their headers more frequently to prevent dust buildup,” he 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. 

“A fire starting in the header's engine bay can spread to the surrounding crop before it is noticed by the machine operator, and in the minutes it usually takes to get water onto the fire, it could grow to several hectares.  

“On days of high wind those same crop fires could grow up to 100 hectares within under an hour.” 

Crop and Farm Machinery Fire Safety 

• 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 and carrying a water fire extinguisher. 

• 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. 

• More information on our website.