A $20 million problem resides in combine engine compartments, warns John Shutske of the University of Wisconsin.

Most combine fires start in the engine compartment, he explains. These fires appear to be on the rise, possibly due to the increased age of combines as a result of lower new harvester sales since 2013.

The $20 million in property losses each year from combine and tractor fires doesn’t include the cost of lost time and downed crops during the harvest season, Shutske adds. “The fires also cause 40 to 50 serious injuries each year, and occasionally a person is killed because of a farm machinery fire.”

The good news is that combine fires are mostly avoidable by taking the following preventive measures. If a fire does erupt, the damage it inflicts can be minimized if you are equipped to deal with a fire.

Use a pressure washer to remove “all caked-on grease, oil, and crop residue,” Shutske urges.

Pay particular attention to engine and hydrostatic pump parts during this cleaning because about 70% of all machinery fires start in this area. A clean engine also runs cooler and operates more efficiently.

At least once a day, use compressed air or a leaf blower to blow chaff, leaves, and other crop residue from the combine, paying particular attention to the engine compartment.

If a combine or tractor catches fire:

It may not be possible to put out every fire. “If it is in a difficult-to-reach area or seems out of control, don’t risk the chance of injury or even death … wait for help to arrive,” says Shutske.

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