Grain Harvesting and Fire Safety

Scope

This Operational Guideline outlines when the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) will issue a Harvest Safety Alert advisory to the community, based on weather conditions, where harvesting operations may be conducive to an outbreak of fire.

Fundamental Protocols underpin the actions of all RFS members and must be adhered to at all times. They outline the Principles of being an RFS member and provide guidance on conduct to support the safety and wellbeing of members.

Guiding Principles

• Refer to the Harvest Safety Alert Checklist.
• District Managers (DMs) are responsible to ensure consultation occurs with the Districts’ Group Officers and Captains when the Fire Behaviour Index (FBI) is approaching or likely to exceed an FBI 40, and prior to a Harvest Safety Alert being issued.
• A Harvest Safety Alert may be made for a Local Government Area (LGA) or other area prescribed by the DM(s).
• A Harvest Safety Alert is classed as a Notifiable Incident as per OMP 4.03.01 Notifiable Incidents, and District Duty Officers (DDOO) must contact State Operations.
• A Harvest Safety Alert will be published on the RFS website and any other appropriate channels by the State Duty Media Officer (SDMO).
• Districts are to notify local media of any Harvest Safety Alert using approved media templates.

Special Considerations

• A Harvest Safety Alert is issued to assist in limiting the potential for accidental ignitions caused by harvesting operations, by recommending landholders in a defined area stop and check local weather conditions before deciding whether it is safe to continue harvesting operations.
• The process is supported by the Grain Harvesting and Fire Safety Guide, which has been developed with the support of farming and harvesting bodies. The Guide is to be used by landholders and operators when considering if it is safe to resume harvesting operations.
• The issuing of an advisory Harvest Safety Alert in one area in no way limits or restricts grain harvesting operations outside of a Harvest Safety Alert area.
• A Harvest Safety Alert is a non-enforceable advisory.
• The RFS has a responsibility to issue public warnings about bush fire threats to protect life and property.
• The RFS acknowledges the high value of cereal crops and agricultural pastures. The RFS and landholders have a shared responsibility to reduce the potential for the ignition of fires on properties, and for the protection of agricultural assets. To minimise the potential for ignitions during periods of increased fire danger, the RFS may issue a Harvest Safety Alert advisory.
• When a Harvest Safety Alert is in effect, landholders or contractors are strongly encouraged to maintain vigilance, use the Grain Harvesting and Fire Safety Guide, and if outside of operating parameters cease harvesting operations until weather conditions improve.
• The RFS acknowledges that a Harvest Safety Alert can have a financial impact on landholders and contractors, however it also recognises that if a fire was to start under increased fire weather conditions, there may be a significant impact on the safety of the broader community, and lead to greater agricultural losses.
• The RFS acknowledges that although a Harvest Safety Alert may be in effect for a defined area, local weather conditions may exist that allow operators to apply the safety guide and continue operations. However, the RFS advises operators to maintain vigilance by monitoring and reassessing conditions using the Grain Harvesting and Fire Safety Guide.
• The RFS in partnership with NSW Farmers and Australian Custom Harvesters has developed a voluntary guide (tool) to assist farmers in limiting the ignition and preventing the spread of fires in relation to grain harvesting operations that occur ‘in the paddock’ including the operation of grain harvesters, vehicles involved in the transporting of grain, grain dryers and grain augers.
• When a Harvest Safety Alert is issued the DM will ensure an entry is made in the ICON Ops Log and is to include the message that is being sent out.
• A Harvest Safety alert is one of many steps that the RFS may use to prevent the spread of fires from known causes on days of heightened fire danger. This action does not preclude landholders and contractors from self-regulating when they harvest, how they maintain their equipment or undertake other operations that may cause fires.

Related Information

• Grain Harvesting and Fire Safety
• Harvest Monitor Conditions Media Release - Template
• Harvest Safety Alert - Checklist
• Harvest Safety Alert - Template
• OMP 4.03.01 Notifiable Incidents

Appendices

Appendix One - Grain Harvesting Guide