For example, if the color of the dust coming out of the blower is changing, this could be a clue that a fire is starting; paying attention to the color of the dust can help catch when the fire is burning and before it becomes a full-blown fire, she noted.
Franklin County hay grower and former firefighter Horance Godbold has seen his fair share of balsam fires.
If a hay operator smells something burning, this is another good indicator that a fire may be burning in a baler. Keeping a window open in a tractor cab can be a good idea, Godbold said.
“If you smell something unusual, you should get off the tractor and inspect the baller from all angles, because it’s probably going to catch fire if it’s not already on fire.”
While a fire extinguisher is a must-have balsa safety device, both Woolington and Godbold also recommend other equipment that can prevent a balsa fire.
Godbold always carries a pump sprayer with a nozzle tip to help put out a potential balsam fire. It mixes water and dishwashing detergent, which makes water last twice as long.
Woolington said making sure the baler is clean before starting to bale can also limit the chance of a baler fire. A hay baler is really a large fire container of dry hay, powder and hydraulic fluid, she said.
“Eliminate any additional sources of fire by thoroughly cleaning the dancer after each cut,” she said. “Use an air hose or leaf blower to blow away all fines and dust.”
Open the baler doors and clean the guards and shields around to remove all dust and loose hay, Woolington said. Preventing the accumulation of excess hay in various friction areas is an important step in avoiding fires.
Do balsa maintenance before baling season to save time and money and help prevent fires, she said.
Russ Quinn can be reached at [email protected]
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