By Scout Nelson
Dry weather and high temperatures are causing safety hazards for Minnesota farmers during harvest season, with reports of combine fires on the rise. According to experts, the state leads the nation in combine fires due to its vast agricultural output and high number of combines in the fields.
"It's crazy. We did have a very wet spring, and now we are seeing one of the driest Septembers we've had in a while," said a representative from the University of Minnesota Extension.
While dry field conditions allow farmers to get ahead of the fall harvest, the combination of heat, dry plant material, and occasional fuel line leaks creates a perfect storm for combine fires. These fires can quickly turn a productive day into a dangerous situation.
"We've had three or four [combine fires] in Minnesota or the surrounding border in the past week," the expert continued.
Nationwide, over 50 people are injured in combine fires each year, resulting in more than $20 million in damages. These fires can happen without warning and spread rapidly, particularly in dry conditions where fields are far from water sources.
Experts recommend that farmers regularly clean out plant debris from machinery and equip their combines with fire extinguishers inside and outside the cab. Proper maintenance and preparation can help reduce the risk of fires and protect both the driver and the machinery.
"When we are running a combine for 10, 12, 14 hours a day, that's when we get a lot of dry plant material built up and that engine compartment gets really, really hot," the expert added.
Farmers are urged to be extra cautious as dry conditions persist, making fire safety a priority during the busy harvest season.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-tlillico
Categories: Minnesota, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety, Weather