The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Something to keep in mind as we go into another hay storage season is keeping an eye on the temperature of your hay stack. With a particularly wet 2023 hay season it is possible that hay didn’t get baled at optimal moisture to prevent microbial activity and respiration leading to the warming of bales and potentially a hay fire.

Hay that is baled above 20 percent moisture without using a preservative is generally at greater risk for fire and the critical moisture content for large bales is even lower. As hay is cut, dried, and baled it continues to respire — meaning the forage is still releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere or air.

Microorganisms present in baled hay have an ideal environment for multiplying. These processes generate heat, and given the right conditions, reach a temperature high enough for combustion.

Temperatures in stored hay can begin to rise three to four weeks after hay has been baled and stacked.

This is when temperature monitoring should begin. Several methods are available for checking the temperature of stored hay. Commercial thermal cameras or guns may be available through your local fire department. Temperature and moisture can also be purchased for this purpose and will need to be left in the bale for 10-15 minutes in order to get an accurate reading. Because these probes are usually only 20” long and the highest temperatures may be deep within a hay stack, the thermometer can be lowered on a string into a pipe that has small holes drilled in it, and has been inserted into the middle of the stack. An accurate reading can be obtained after 15 minutes using this method. If no thermometers are available, a 3/8” iron pipe can be driven into the hay stack. The pipe should be left into the hay stack for 20 minutes and then removed. If the pipe is hot to the touch after removal, this means there is a problem.

Recommended temperatures and corresponding actions:

• 125℉ - No action needed

• 150℉ - Temperatures are rising and should be checked twice daily. If possible stacked hay should be taken apart to allow more air flow.

• 160℉ - Temperatures are continuing to rise and should be checked every two hours. Stacked hay should be taken apart.

• 175℉ - Hot spots or fire pockets are likely. If possible, stop all air movement around the hay and alert the fire service of a possible hay fire incident.

• 190℉ - Remove hot hay with the assistance of the fire service. Be prepared for hay to burst into flames as it comes into contact with fresh air.

• 200℉ - Fire will most likely occur. Remove hot hay only with assistance of the fire service.

As always, if accessing a hay stack from the top, follow general safety precautions and use planks across the top of the bales so that the weight of the person is distributed. Cavities can occur in burnt out hay and cause a greater risk of falling.