North Dakota
Red River Valley farmers advised on fire risks during dry harvest season
FARGO — With the dry weather extending to the Red River Valley, there are ways farmers can prevent fires from starting as the harvest season continues.
Angie Johnson, NDSU Extension Farm and Ranch Safety Coordinator, said there are a variety of ways farm equipment can create a spark, including hitting a rock in the field with a piece of equipment, or if a bearing goes out because it’s damaged or worn.
That can ignite chaff, dust or debris on a combine that’s not properly cleaned in seconds.
“Try to be diligent, don’t just wait until the end of the day to blow it off, take a more aggressive approach,” Johnson said. “You know, using an air compressor, blowing off that machine can really make the difference in preventing a combine fire.”
She also says to know where the fire extinguishers are on your combine and how to properly use them.