By Angie Johnson
Parts of North Dakota are experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions, while other areas have been receiving adequate rainfall. Regardless of moisture conditions, baler fires are still occurring.
“It seems odd to think about the risk of baler fires right now, as the grass is still green in many areas where hay is still being harvested,” says Tom Clays, North Dakota Forest Service director. “However, the amount of ‘fuel’ or biomass out there in the ditches, meadows and Conservation Reserve Program areas is substantial this year. There’s enough ‘fuel’ out there that can easily catch fire with just one spark and quickly become out of control.”
Timely baler maintenance is key to preventing dangerous baler fires.