08/10/2026
Keep your Hay Safe - Protect Your Farm, Family and Livestock
Safe hay starts with proper drying, careful storage, and regular monitoring. Preventing spontaneous
combustion protects lives, livestock, equipment, and your operation.
Prevent Hay Fires
• Bale hay only after it has dried to a safe moisture level.
• Check moisture before bailing:
- Small square bales: 20% moisture or less
- Large Round or square bales: 18% moisture or less
• Never stack hay that is excessively wet.
Store Hay Correctly
• Keep hay in a dry, well-ventilated building.
• Stack hay to allow airflow between rows when possible.
• Store hay away from heat sources, electrical equipment, and fuel.
• Remove old, moldy or damaged hay promptly.
• Maintain good housekeeping around the storage area.
• Elevate the bottom layer on wooden pallets or gravel.
• Leave a 12-inch gap between stacks and barn walls.
• Alternate square bale patterns by layer to ensure vertical stability.
• Maintain ventilation pathways between large lots of hay.
• Leave at least 2 feet of clearance below roof rafters.
Monitor Stored Hay
• Check hay temperature daily for the first 4-6 weeks after storage.
• Use a hay temperature probe if available.
• Watch for:
- Steam rising from the stack
- Musty or caramel-like odors
- Condensation on the roof
- Hot spots within the stack
Hay Temperature Guide
Above 175°F: Extreme danger
Do not enter the stack. Call the fire
department immediately.
Above 160°F: High fire risk
Contact the fire department before
disturbing the hay.
150-160°F: Dangerous
Increase inspections and prepare to
move hay if safe.
125-150°F: Increased risk
Check daily.
Below 125°F: Normal
Continue Monitoring.
Emergency Preparedness
• Keep fire extinguishers accessible
• Ensure emergency vehicle access
• Post emergency contact numbers
• Develop a fire response plan