CFA are reminding farmers and rural landholders to take extra care in preventing haystack fires after a spate of blazes across the state.

Hay season is just beginning across the North East are having been in full swing across the west and north-west in the past weeks, and there were three significant haystack fires in the north-west of the state where thousands of bales were lost.

Between 30 June 2024 and 1 July 2025, CFA responded to 73 haystack and hay shed fires in regional areas.

Haystack fires are often caused by spontaneous combustion when hay is baled with excess moisture.

High moisture levels, combined with the compact nature of hay bales, can create internal heat, leading to ignition.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan reinforced that early preparation and proper storage are essential in reducing the risk of haystack fires.

“Farmers who have decided to carry on with hay production need to be extra vigilant this year to make sure conditions are right for making hay and for the future storage and transport of the product as well,” he said.

“Hay fires are a real threat to properties and stock in farmland areas.

Whether you’re a seasoned hay grower or switching to hay this year, it’s important to take care of your hay and crops this fire season.

“Use technology to monitor your haystacks regularly, temperature probes can provide an early warning, detecting heating hay and alerting.

"Haystack fires can have far-reaching effects beyond individual properties, impacting neighbouring farms and emergency services.

“Make sure you store your hay in separate stacks or in sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings to prevent the spread of fire.”

For more information, visit CFA’s website or contact your local CFA brigade for advice on haystack safety.