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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- The heat and drought this summer have caused an increase fire danger across the Heartland with many areas being under burn bans. Despite the precautions being taken, there is still a great risk from fire, one of those being spontaneous hay bale combustion.

“We have hay running dangerously hot this year in the range of 120-140 degrees. At these temperatures we do run the risk for spontaneous combustions,” said Agronomy Specialist Alix Carpenter.   

During normal summer conditions hay tend to stay under 120 degrees and pose no risk. With this summers temperatures consistently being in the 90’s and 100’s, the hay is getting extremely hot.

At temperatures 120-140, hay may turn brown and should be monitored daily.

Once it reaches 140-160 degrees you should consider tearing the stacks down.

If it reaches 160-180, dangerous chemical reactions are occurring and you should not touch the bales and contact the fire department.

At temperatures above 180 degrees spontaneous combustion is imminent.

Experts also say to pay attention to the color, shape, and the smell of they hay for abnormalities as that can alert you to potential combustion.

“It is going to start to caramelize and get a noticeable smell. It is almost a smoky smell like tobacco curing or a caramel smell,” Carpenter said.

The best way to test the temperature of your hay is with a device such as a compost thermometer. And you may think the recent rains could help prevent combustion, but experts say wet hay is at even greater danger and you should try to keep it as dry as possible.

Fire isnt the only risk to hay bales in this heat. Other longer term problems can also occur.

“When we store hay and it raises above 120 degrees proteins start to break down and decrease the nutritional value of the hay. When temperatures get up to about 130 degrees browning and caramelization occurs which makes it easier for the animals to eat but is not very nutritional,” Carpenter said.

This year’s hay crop was already lacking in nutritional value due to the drought so it is again recommended to keep the hay as dry and cool as possible not only prevent combustion, but keep up the nutritional value.

And with no relief coming in the hay shortage, this could ultimately have an effect on the price you pay at the store.