Issued on
03 Dec 2025 14:07
Booborowie Hay Shed Fire
Firefighters are continuing to contain a hay shed fire which started on Monday 1 December near the Booborowie township, approximately 35 km north of Clare.
CFS crews have worked in rotating shifts to keep this fire from spreading to surrounding crop and grass and are planning to remain on scene over the coming days to keep the fire contained ahead of forecasted hot weather.
A grader break has been constructed around the impacted area to ensure there is no spread of the fire whilst separating and extinguishing the burning hay bales occurs.
Heavy smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas. There is currently no impact to townships, roads or communities within the area.
The shed and its contents have been totally destroyed with an estimated total loss of over $500,000.
Ahead of the hot weather predicted at the end of this week, we encourage everyone check the heat in their hay stacks for early signs of combustion and take any precautions to limit the risk of hay stack fires. This is a timely reminder that the baling and storing of hay requires careful management to prevent spontaneous ignition caused by moisture within bailed hay. Simple measures to prevent this spontaneous ignition include ensuring that hay is fully cured (dried) before bailing, protecting hay from rain or runoff, maintaining airflow to the haystack to allow heat and moisture to escape, as well as using a calibrated moisture meter to periodically test the 'dryness' of the hay bales.
Message ID 0008749
