AFTER a large fire which destroyed150 tonnes of baled hay in West Overton, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is asking farmers to make sure farm machinery is kept clean and maintained during the harvest period to try and avoid fires starting in equipment.

Graham Kewley, watch manager and fire safety team leader, said: “As the harvest goes on, farmers are working long, hard hours and it’s easy to let chaff and dust build up in machines, which can then catch fire if parts of the combine overheat.

“The problem is compounded when machinery is worked extra hard between periods of inclement weather, or when crops are harvested and stored in less than ideal conditions.”

The fire in West Overton last week, which an investigation has decided was most likely caused by overheating machinery, meant fire crews from Marlborough and Calne spent six hours tackling the blaze, which destroyed 150 tonnes of baled hay and a 25 sq m of stubble.

Mr Kewley added: “We also encourage farmers to have a farm emergency plan. This can save vital minutes in the event of an incident, and will help firefighters to deal with a fire more quickly and more safely.”

For more information on the steps insurer NFU Mutual has put together to prevent field fires occurring visit www.dwfire.org.uk/fire-risks-on-farms.