Extension Communications
3614 Administrative Services Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3614
(515) 294-9915
9/12/00
Contacts:
Mark Hanna, Extension Agriculture and Biosystems
Engineering, (515) 294-6360, hmhanna@iastate.edu
Elaine Edwards, Extension Communication Systems, (515)
294-5168, eedwards@iastate.edu
Dry Field Conditions Increase Combine Fire Risk
AMES, Iowa -- Warm, dry weather and early maturing crops are good for helping field dry corn, but increase the risk of combine and field fires.
"With some newer combines in the $150,000 to $200,000 price range, operators will want to prevent fires before they start, but be ready to handle them if necessary," said Mark Hanna, Iowa State University Extension agricultural and biosystems engineer. "It's not unusual for millions of dollars of combine losses throughout the Midwest when conditions are dry. Fuel sources, such as leaves, stalks, husks, dust, oil and fuel and ignition sources, including exhaust, bearings and electrical wiring, are always present when harvesting fields."
Combine operators should carry two class ABC fire extinguishers: a smaller 10-lb. unit in the cab and a larger 20-lb. extinguisher at ground level on the combine. Invert the extinguishers once or twice a season and shake them to ensure that powder inside the extinguisher hasn't been compacted together by machine vibrations. A shovel to scoop dirt on a fire and a cellular phone to call the fire department immediately also are useful tools.
To prevent combine fires, Hanna advises operators to follow these precautions.
* Check engine fluid levels (such as coolant and oil) at
the beginning of each day.
* Blow leaves, dust and chaff off the engine if compressed
air is available. Older combines with front engine
compartments can be particularly susceptible to collecting
debris.
* Examine exhaust or hot bearing surfaces because they can
be ignition sources for dry, combustible material.
* Check the pressurized oil supply line to the turbocharger
shaft for areas that may rub from wear and start an oil
leak.
* Place wiring harnesses in proper holders.
In addition to the combine, grain transport or pick-up trucks with exhaust systems below the chassis also can ignite field fires. Catalytic converters operate at several hundred degrees.
"Field fires are sometimes started with the passing of a truck. Flames may not be noticed for 15 to 30 minutes or longer. Don't allow extra truck traffic through the field when conditions for fire are favorable," Hanna said.
Because smoldering combustible material may not be noticed for some time, consider leaving the combine out of the machine shed when it first returns from the field. And, if field welding is to be done on equipment, wet down the area under and around the implement before welding as an added precaution.
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