Ohio State Extension is warning producers to stay vigilant about preventing hay barn fires as Mother Nature continues to bring excess rain.
Wet hay can spontaneously combust when internal bacteria cause temperatures to rise. Once hay reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit, barns are at serious risk of fire.
Experts say hay stored at more than 20 percent moisture should be monitored closely. They recommend using a probe or sensor to check stack temperatures and warn against moving overheated bales without fire crews on standby.
Related Stories
California Farm Bureau offers updates on the impact of wildfires in both urban and rural communities
“The impacts of wildfire in California are felt statewide.”
“A row crop farmer, we’re not impacted that much... the freight trucks had to stop and keep them off the road.”
