Hay Fire Prevention Guide
A guide to preventing hay fires, covering moisture, stacking and storage habits, for hay producers and barn owners. Work through the steps in order, and keep notes on what you decide for future reference.
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The steps on this page
- Test hay moisture before stacking
- Avoid baling damp hay
- Watch stacks for heat
- Keep stacks spaced and ventilated
- Separate hay from fuel and equipment
- Keep electrical wiring in good repair
- Know your fire response plan
- Share the plan with your local fire department
How to use this guide
Follow the steps in order and write down any changes you make. Where your equipment or product has instructions, those come first.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with OSHA and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the Ranch Beef Cattle. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Hay Bale Fail, and farming farm stories.