Farm Safety in Hot Weather
Hot, dry weather significantly increases the risk of farm fires.
Simple measures such as maintaining machinery, storing bales safely, monitoring for signs of overheating and improving site security can help prevent a devastating fire.
Keep Machinery Clean and Maintained
Check on your machinery to prevent farm fires.
- Regularly remove dust, chaff, straw, oil and grease build-up.
- Check bearings, belts, electrical systems and exhausts throughout harvest.
- Carry a suitable fire extinguisher on harvesting equipment.
- Avoid parking hot machinery near crops, bales or dry vegetation.
Store Hay and Straw Safely
Hay and straw may appear dry but can retain enough moisture to generate dangerous heat within a stack.
- Be alert for signs of overheating, including steam rising from stacks, discoloured bales and unusual sweet or musty odours.
- If you suspect a bale stack is overheating, do not ignore.
Contact your local Fire and Rescue Service for advice. - Ensure hay is fully dry before storage and store bales away from buildings, machinery, fuel and chemicals.
- Use several smaller stacks and leave 10 metres between stacks
to improve airflow.
Take Care With Hot Works
- Keep suitable firefighting equipment nearby when carrying
out hot work. - Avoid welding, grinding or cutting near hay, straw or dry vegetation.
- Postpone non-essential bonfires during prolonged
dry weather.
Prevent arson
- Secure gates, barns and outbuildings when not in use.
- Keep bale stacks away from public access points where possible.
- Consider CCTV and security lighting in key areas.
- Report suspicious activity promptly.
Be prepared
- Have accurate location details, including What3Words references.
- Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles.
- Ensure everyone on the farm knows the emergency plan.
- Know the location of water supplies.
In an emergency
- Call 999
Page last reviewed: May 2026
Next review due: January 2027