CRITICAL NOTICE FOR BROKERS AND AGRICULTURAL CLIENTS

Harvest season brings a heightened fire risk, and recent fire claims involving combine harvesters have revealed a troubling trend. Most incidents occurred while harvesting oilseeds, with fires typically igniting late in the day. Although machines had been cleaned prior to use, crop residue and fine dust were common ignition sources. Oil-rich crops such as sunflowers, canola, and soya significantly increase flammability.

WHY ARE FIRES STILL HAPPENING?

Despite proper maintenance, fires have been triggered by straw and dust buildup in hot zones. Heat and friction during extended operation can ignite debris, and small undetected fires may spread to fields. Highly flammable crop material accelerates the spread of fire.

REAL-WORLD INCIDENTS

In one case, a foreman spotted smoke from a distance and acted quickly by alerting the unsuspecting driver of the fire. His response, along with an onboard extinguisher, contained the fire. In another instance, a farmer’s bakkie-sakkie unit on standby prevented a total loss. Several drivers were unaware of fires starting behind or beneath them due to limited visibility from the cab.

RECOMMENDED FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES

• Schedule midday cleaning and inspection to avoid relying on a single daily clean.
• Implement a fire watch strategy, with a second person monitoring equipment and fields from a lookout point, especially in the late afternoon.
• Equip machines with serviced fire extinguishers, and ensure operators are trained in their proper use.
• Have a standby firefighting unit (bakkie-sakkie), especially in remote areas where emergency response may be delayed.
• Train drivers to recognise early signs of fire, such as burning smells, smoke trails, and heat spikes.
• Treat crops like sunflower, canola, and soya with extra caution due to their high oil content.

STAY AHEAD OF THE FLAME

Harvest time is short, but safety must never be rushed. At Santam, we prioritise the safety and well-being of farmers beyond merely protecting their assets and yields — it’s about helping them avoid losses and ensuring peace of mind.

This is more than just insurance.