Hay Fires: Reduce Your Risk

Ideally, hay and bedding should not be stored in the same building as your horses, but often this is the only option. There are some things that can be done to lessen fire risks if hay must be stored in the stable:

If you buy hay instead of putting it up yourself, try to store as little as possible. It's more work but less risk!

Use your oldest bales first.

Keep the hay storage area clean and dry!

When a hay crop is stored wet, microbial action can generate internal bale temperatures well above 150 degrees. New hay that has been stacked in the field or placed in a barn should be checked at least twice a day for abnormal heating. When storing hay inside, make sure the hay stays dry from above (roof leaks) and below (floor leaks).

Use a temperature probe to check hay temperatures. If the hay reaches 130 degrees, increase air circulation to encourage cooling. If the temperature climbs above 150 degrees, call the fire department. Moving hay at this temperature could increase oxygen flow and cause ignition.

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