Farm warning after Dalton Piercy combine harvester blaze

Firefighters from Hartlepool and Stockton fire stations were called to the farm on Sunday, August 2, after the harvester caught alight.

Pictures shows the charred and burned-out farm vehicle still smoking with crops underneath burnt up.

A spokesperson for the fire service said a much larger incident was prevented and the flames did not spread across surrounding fields.

Cleveland Fire Brigade said the results could have been much worse. (Image: CLEVELAND FIRE BRIGADE)

“As harvesting continues, we encourage everyone working in the agricultural sector to remain vigilant and take simple precautions to help prevent fires,” they said.

Cleveland Fire Brigade has warned that agricultural machinery fires can become more frequent during spells of hot, dry weather, with combine harvesters posing a particular risk due to the number of concealed areas where fire can take hold unnoticed.

Engine compartments, belt systems, bearings, hydraulic components and build-ups of dry crop material can all harbour hidden hotspots, making fires difficult to extinguish and often requiring extensive checks afterwards to confirm they are fully out.

With harvesting season continuing across the region, the fire service is urging everyone working in agriculture to take simple precautions to reduce the risk of fire breaking out on their machinery.

Farmers and agricultural workers are advised to:

• Regularly inspect and clean machinery to remove dust, chaff and crop debris
• Check bearings, belts and moving parts for signs of overheating or wear
• Carry suitable fire extinguishers and ensure they are well maintained
• Keep a water bowser or other firefighting equipment on hand where possible during harvesting
• Call 999 immediately if a fire starts