FIREFIGHTERS are urging West Devon farmers to be aware of stored hay and other materials overheating in barns, following several fires in the area. Since September, fire crews have been called to barn fires at Bere Alston, Sampford Courtenay and Okehampton. These incidents are thought to have started from baled hay spontaneously combusting, The fire service believe this is due to the poor summer weather as there has been less drying time for hay before collection. Damp hay is more likely to generate the heat necessary for the bale to catch alight. Bill Harvison, fire investigation officer for Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service, said: ?We would like to remind farmers to look out for signs that hay bales may be overheating. ?The best way to check whether hay bales are overheating is to insert an extendable temperature probe into the middle of the bale. ?Other tell-tale signs include a rotting smell coming from bales, and the bales may also appear lower in the middle of the stack as the material rots away.? Any farmers who are concerned their bales may be overheating, contact the service?s helpline on 01392 872288.
