Fall 2024 across the Midwest will be remembered for a plethora of combine and field fires, fueled by record-setting dry weather patterns. In an earlier article about combine fires, one of the tips suggested carrying water to the field in a tank mounted in a pickup.

In fact, Unverferth offers a water tank option for several newer model grain carts, across multiple brands. The water option features a poly tank that fits under the cart, equipped with a pump and nozzle for directing spray.

It’s still a commendable option for fighting and controlling field fires. However, Andy Castillo, Farm Progress technology editor, correctly noted after seeing the story that water should not be used on an engine fire. Based on past statistics, about three-fourths of all combine fires begin in the engine compartment. Leading causes of combine fires are mechanical failure, followed by faulty electrical connections.

Gasoline, diesel fuel and oil don’t react well with water, Castillo correctly noted. Instead, a Class B fire extinguisher is recommended for use on engine fires, or on any fire where substances like fuel and chemicals are involved.

More firefighting tips for the field

“Andy is exactly right,” emphasizes Bill Field, Purdue farm safety specialist. Field has conducted firefighter training for decades. “Water works on Class A fires, like wood, trash and rubbish. So, yes, water could put out a field fire. There have been too many this fall, and not just caused by farmers.

“People in rural areas didn’t seem to realize how dry it was. Some counties issued burn bans, but other counties did not. Crop residue was so dry it could be ignited easily.”

Field strongly recommends carrying a fire extinguisher on tractors and combines. Engine fires are Class B fires, as Castillo noted, and require a Class B fire extinguisher. Class B fires include anything involving oil, gasoline and other volatile liquids. Class C fires are electrical fires and require a Class C fire extinguisher to put out properly.

The problem with attempting to put out a combine or tractor fire with water is made more complex by the type of materials used to manufacture these machines today. Some plastics used on modern machinery don’t react well with water either, Field notes.

The best way to avoid using a fire extinguisher or needing water is to do as much cleaning and preventive maintenance on machines during operation as possible.

“I know farmers who carry a leaf blower in the combine cab and blow off chaff over key areas frequently, like over the header under the cab,” Field says. “Many electrical connections go through that area.”

If you aren’t set up to carry water to the field or you don’t like toting an extra ton over your soils, Field offers another solution. “I know many cases where a farmer or family member saved a field or prevented stubble from burning by getting a tractor and disk and disking around the fire,” he says. “It will prevent it from spreading.

“Here is the secret. Don’t wait until the fire starts to go after the tractor and disk. It is likely buried in the shed. Instead, have a tractor and disk hooked up and ready. Ideally, park it at the end of each field as you harvest. Then you are ready.”