The temperature of hay and straw bales on Welsh farms is to be tested by fire officers under a strategy that aims to ramp up fire prevention in a summer when wildfires have destroyed crops.
The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has teamed up with the Welsh Regional Fire Services after a spate of fires resulting from tinder dry conditions.
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The new strategy will include drawing up a plan for farmers, graziers and landowners who carry out controlled burning, including advice on fire barriers, as well as suggesting alternative methods for controlling vegetation.
Special equipment will also be used by fire officers to test bale temperature and humidity to prevent spontaneous combustion.
Jeremy Turner, Welsh Regional Fire Services farm liaison officer, will attend FUW meetings in the coming weeks to give farmers advice on how they can use the new Llethrau Llon service.
“Our hope is to engage directly with the farmers, with the help of the FUW, to visit individual farms to discuss a plan that will address several aspects of preventing fires on their land,” said Mr Turner.
As part of the service, a fire officer will also offer advice and practical help on fire safety in the farmhouse, including the installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
