Farmers across Wiltshire are being urged to take extra care during the busy harvest season to reduce the risk of machinery and field fires.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service has highlighted the increased fire risk at this time of year – when combines, balers and other agricultural machinery are used for long hours.
The service said dust and chaff can quickly build up inside machinery and may ignite if components overheat.
The risk can increase further during periods of hot weather or when crops are harvested and stored in less than ideal conditions.
Firefighters also warned that field fires can be sparked when machinery strikes flint while working.
The fire service is encouraging farmers to regularly clean dust and chaff from combines and balers, stop work immediately if engines or bearings begin running hot, and ensure engines are switched off before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance.
It also recommends keeping in regular contact with lone workers, carrying mobile phones on your person rather than leaving them in vehicles, and knowing your exact location and the best access points for emergency services. The use of What3Words can also help crews locate incidents more quickly.
Drivers are also being reminded to remain aware of overhead power lines and ensure machinery can safely pass beneath them.
The advice includes making sure fire extinguishers are fitted to agricultural vehicles and maintained regularly, cleaning dust from grain dryers, ensuring operators are trained to deal with fires, and checking that ladders and maintenance platforms are safe to use.
