The number of combines going on fire is rising according to NFU Mutual. The insurer dealt with 124 combined fires in 2021 up 35% on the year. Over ten of the claims were on machines worth over £100,000.

Worry is growing that supply chains disrupted in the wake of COVID-19, Brexit and the conflict in Ukraine means sourcing spares for fire-damaged combines or bringing in replacement machines could be difficult during the 2022 harvest. NFU Mutual is urging farmers to avoid putting lives at risk and reduce the risk of harvest disruption by fitting fire suppression systems to their combines

Bob Henderson from the Agricultural Engineering Team at NFU Mutual said: “Modern combines are large and complex, so an unchecked fire can easily lead to a huge blaze which puts lives at risk and can easily spread through dry crops and even engulf property and neighbouring fields.

“Suppression systems significantly reduce the risk of serious combine fires, and we urge farmers to fit them.

“There’s an even stronger case to do so this year as replacement combines and spares are likely to be hard to get hold of. Delays in harvesting highly valuable arable crops are likely to be very costly.”

Tips to prevent fire this harvest

• Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers and check the machine over when you finish use

• Fit a fire suppression system

• Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance

• Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings

• Have a plan in place in the event of a fire including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers

• Keep mobile phones on you at all times - not left in a tractor or pickup cab

• Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that machinery will safely pass under wires

• Ensure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine