TWO large barn fires were prevented from ripping through farms in the Builth Wells area last month, according to the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MWWFRS).

Disaster was averted by the quick-thinking farmer who owns both properties, and his work with firefighters.

Jeremy Turner, farm liaison officer for the MWWFRS, said tests he carried out at one of the farms showed hay bales stored in a barn were at “critical risk of spontaneously combusting”, due to temperature readings between 95-100°C – the highest he had ever recorded.

The incidents occurred at two farms owned by the Jones family, near Builth, on Wednesday, July 24.

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“I have no doubt that without the diligence of the farmer and steps taken subsequently that this would have resulted in two large barn fires, which would have been hampered by their remote location, limited access and lack of water supplies on-site,” said Jeremy.

He attended at the farm as it was found they had a large quantity of hay bales with dangerously high temperature readings.

Visiting with his bale stack tester and thermal imaging camera, he met owners Mr and Mrs Jones on the family-run farm and discussed the number of bales currently being stored, when they were baled and how long they had been in storage. 

During Jeremy’s visit, the sweet sickly smell associated with overheating bales was noticeably present across the farm’s yard.

During a closer inspection of the bale stack, which consisted of approximately 60 large square hay bales, there were clear signs of overheating, such as sagging in the centre of the stack, bales beginning to break down and moisture between bales including wetness, mould and fungi. 

While viewing the stack through the thermal imaging camera, hot areas around the gaps in the bales were identified with temperatures in excess of 36°C.

While testing the bales with a probe, Jeremy found the stack was at critical risk of spontaneously combusting due to temperature readings between 95-100°C – the highest temperatures he had ever recorded.

It was decided to remove the bales from the building due to the risk of them bursting into flames.

The temperatures were the highest temperatures Jeremy Turner had ever recorded. The temperatures were the highest temperatures Jeremy Turner had ever recorded. (Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

Two large barn fires were prevented from ripping through farms in the Builth Wells area last month.Two large barn fires were prevented from ripping through farms in the Builth Wells area last month. (Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

Due to the farm’s remote location, two fire trucks and a water bowser were requested to attend as a precaution. Once the vehicles had arrived and all equipment had been set up, the farmers began removing the bales from the barn and placed them in a nearby field under the supervision of fire crew members who were equipped with charged hose reel jets. 

Thankfully, despite large plumes of steam coming from the bales during their removal, none of them ignited.

Having successfully removed the bales, Jeremy was then informed of another nearby farm, owned by the same farmer, that had a larger stack of bales that had been baled and stored around the same time. 

After testing the stack there, further concerns were raised over its high moisture content of 80 per cent and maximum temperature readings of 97°C – well in excess of the safe parameters of 35°C or less and a moisture content of 22 per cent and below. The same procedure as at the first farm was carried out.

Disaster was averted at two farms near Builth Wells. Disaster was averted at two farms near Builth Wells. (Image: Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service)

“MAWWFRS has seen an increase in the number of barn fires across our service area recently, which has most likely to be a result of the short spells of fine weather which has limited the windows of opportunity to make suitably dried hay,” said Jeremy. 

“This has led farmers to carry out ‘snatch harvests’ and we often find that hay stored with a higher moisture content will show signs of overheating between 4-6 weeks after being stacked.

“I would urge all farmers to keep a close eye on their bales, especially during this timeframe, and to contact MWWFRS to request a free bale temperature check if they have any concerns that their bales may be overheating.”

Following this incident, MWWFRS is issuing a farm fire safety reminder and advice to members of the agricultural community.

To find out more, visit https://www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/your-safety/farm-fire-safety/.