Proper moisture at baling is the key to preventing hay fires

Ardis Tobison — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:03:13 -0500

By Krishona Martinson, University of Minnesota Extension

Moisture content of hay at time of baling is the single biggest hay fire risk factor. Since 2000, there have been over 900 livestock and poultry barn fires in Minnesota, resulting in over $26 million in damages (Minnesota Fire Incident Reporting System). Although not specifically tracked by MFIRS, some of these fires have been caused by spontaneous combustion of hay that was baled too wet.

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Proper moisture at baling is the key to preventing hay fires