Fire Safety

Burned combine
Due to Nebraska's intense drought conditions, which increase the risk for combine fires, Nebraska Extension urges producers to take every precaution available to harvest safely this year.

Preventing and Responding to Combine Fires

September 21, 2022
As crop residue starts the majority of combine fires, it's vital to clean equipment every day after harvesting, allow it to cool off before storing inside a machine shed, and avoid harvesting when conditions are at peak fire risk.

Read more

Stanton volunteer firefighters respond to a combine fire in 2016.

Practicing Fire Safety at Harvest

October 8, 2019
Stay safe from harvest equipment and field fires by maintaining equipment before you start, cleaning out embedded residue as you go, and making preparations to respond should a fire occur.

Read more

Figure 1. On Oct. 23, 2016, members of the Stanton Fire Department responded to a combine fire that started in the engine compartment. The combine was considered a total loss, but the quick response of firefighters allowed them to save the bean head, and control the fire from spreading into surrounding vegetation. (Photo by the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office)
Figure 1. On Oct. 23, 2016, members of the Stanton Fire Department responded to a combine fire that started in the engine compartment. The combine was considered a total loss, but the quick response of firefighters allowed them to save the bean head, and control the fire from spreading into surrounding vegetation. (Photo by the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office)

Keeping Your Equipment and Fields Fire Safe At Harvest

October 18, 2017
When residue builds up in your combine or poorly maintained equipment creates sparks, fires can ignite, quickly enveloping your equipment and field. Incorporating the practices outlined here into your harvest routine can help you stay safe this fall.

Read more