About 1000 round hay bales were destroyed in a paddock fire at Ardmona on Sunday, November 12, while seven haysheds containing nearly 6000 bales were engulfed in a blaze at Kerang on Tuesday. November 7.
CFA District 22 Commander Pete Deman said firefighters were called to the fire on MacIsaac Rd, near Ardmona Rd, at 3.25pm on Sunday.
When they arrived, they found three to five hectares of grass burning underneath high-tension powerlines.
CFA firefighters in 10 fire tankers, three pumpers and three forward command vehicles fought the fire.
It was brought under control about 4.50pm, with firefighters continuing to monitor the fire in the hay bales through the night.
About 40 hectares of grass and about 1000 round bales were destroyed in the fire.
Mr Dedman said the cause of the fire was still under investigation, with fire investigators on scene on Monday morning.
Shepparton police are appealing for anyone who has dashcam footage from the area or who saw anything suspicious between 2pm and 4pm on Sunday to contact Detective Senior Constable Andrew Costello at Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit on 5820 5777 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to: www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Kerang CFA captain Ramon Steel said crews arrived on the scene of the Kerang blaze to just one hayshed engulfed in fire, before an unexpected wind change initiated an uncontrollable firestorm.
“Several hours later we were hit with an ember attack and the fire spread to a further six sheds,” Mr Steel said.
“We had 26 CFA units on scene and were able to utilise the appliances and volunteers available to save the other 13 sheds.
“Multiple grass fires broke out but were easily contained. However, nothing could be done to stop the shower of sparks that headed straight for the sheds in line of fire due to the direction and strength of the wind.”
He said it was one of the worst fires he has witnessed in his 39 years as a firefighter.
The CFA has responded to almost 52 haystack-related fires between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023.
CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan warned farmers to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and for its storage and transport.
“Hay fires are a real threat to properties and stock in primary production areas,” he said.
“Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or switching to hay this year, it’s imperative to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.
“Consider the storage of your hay to avoid spontaneous combustion which can lead to ignition.”
When hay is either not properly cured and dried out before baling, or not stored to protect it from rain or damp conditions, moisture content in the bales is then higher than the recommended level.
Haystack fires can also start easily from lightning strikes or sparks from equipment.
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