A workshop at Kaniva Community Hub on October 3 will address a wide range of topics to ensure growers are prepared for the serious threat harvester fires pose, even after dry growing seasons.

Harvester fire specialist Ben White will be headlining the workshop, providing advice to growers on steps they can take to avoid harvester fires, including harvesting hygiene, equipment maintenance and harvester modifications.

“Unfortunately, a low yielding season doesn’t mean growers won’t see harvester fires, and the worst thing would be for growers to get complacent and put themselves in danger,” Mr White said.

Mr White said he recommended all growers developed a harvester fire plan as a critical part of harvest preparations.

“The potential losses from a fire are enormous. Harvester fires can burn through entire crops, farms, neighbourhoods and communities, causing infrastructure losses, serious burns or even result in fatalities,” he said.

“With that on the line, every grower should have a plan, which is discussed with their whole team, on how to reduce the risk and respond to harvester fires.”

About seven per cent of harvesters start a fire each year, in a range of crop-types including cereals and pulses.

Representatives from the Country Fire Authority, Victorian Farmers Federation, the Country Fire Service, Grain Producers SA and the GRDC will share information on fire danger indexes, grain harvesting guidelines, fighting fires, and communication during a fire.

Workshop facilitator Belinda Cay said there was more to harvester fire preparedness than just preventing fires.

“It is essential that every grower prepares themselves for the risk of fire, not only from the practical perspective of trying to avoid fires, but also being mentally prepared to manage after a fire,” she said.

Ms Cay lost her home in the 2015 Pinery fire, and will discuss her own strategies for coping along with Eyre Peninsula grower Steve Whillas who was burnt out in the 2005 Wangary fire.

“The mental impact of fire is more significant than most people realise, so the workshops will cover coping and handling stress after a fire,” Ms Cay said.

Landmark’s Kris Nelson will also help growers assess their insurance coverage and maintain appropriate record-keeping for insurance coverage after a fire, and growers who have experience with harvester fires will share their stories.

The workshop will be held from 8.30am to 2pm. Bookings and more information at www.agcommunicators.com.au