08/29/2026
With harvest here, it is important to keep fire prevention and safety in mind.
🔥 Combine Fire Prevention 🔥
- Clean the combine frequently. Blow or brush away chaff, straw, dust and crop residue, especially around the engine, exhaust, belts, pulleys and bearings.
- Clean the engine compartment daily and keep radiator screens and cooling areas free of debris.
- Check bearings and belts for excessive heat. A failing bearing or slipping belt can ignite dry material.
- Inspect electrical wiring. Repair loose connections, damaged insulation and wires rubbing against metal.
- Check for fuel, hydraulic and engine-oil leaks. Repair leaks before returning to the field.
- Keep the exhaust system clean and maintained. Watch for damaged components or areas where crop material can collect against hot surfaces.
- Carry fire extinguishers. Keep properly rated, serviced extinguishers where they can be reached quickly. Consider having extinguishers accessible from both ground level and the operator platform.
- Stop immediately if you smell smoke or something unusually hot. Shut the machine down and investigate before continuing.
- Be especially cautious during hot, dry and windy conditions. A small ignition can spread rapidly through standing crop or stubble.
🌾 Harvest & Field Safety 🌾
- Tell someone which field you’re working in, particularly when harvesting alone.
- Keep a charged cellphone or radio with you.
- Know the legal land location or exact location of the field so it can be quickly provided to 911.
- Keep field approaches and access routes clear enough for fire trucks and other emergency equipment.
- Watch weather conditions and wind direction throughout the day.
- Avoid parking hot machinery over heavy straw, chaff or dry grass.
- Never clear plugs or work around moving components until the machine is completely shut down, the key is removed and moving parts have stopped.
- Use extra caution around overhead power lines, particularly when moving augers or other tall equipment.
- Keep children and bystanders away from operating harvesting equipment.
🚨 If the Combine Catches Fire 🚨
Stop, shut down and get out. Call 911 immediately and give the dispatcher your exact location. Only attempt to extinguish a small fire if you have a safe escape route and can do so without putting yourself at risk. Machinery can be replaced—a person can’t.
A few minutes spent cleaning and inspecting equipment can prevent the loss of a combine, a crop, or an entire field.
Have a safe and happy harvest everyone!
