Farming machinery is always at risk of fire.
In 2023, farm fires in the UK resulted in estimated losses of £110.3 million, marking a 37% increase from £80.4 million in 2022.
Agricultural vehicle fires (e.g., tractors, harvesters) added another £37.7 million in claims in 2023. Tractor fires accounted for £20.4 million alone.
Baler fires are particularly dangerous because of the combination of dry crops, dust, and moving parts.
The Background Before the Baler Fire
In August 2024, farmer Ian Matthews from South Essex experienced one of these frightening events. But because of some quick actions to deploy the Fire Safety Stick, it only cost him the price of a replacement bearing instead of the loss of contract and the loss of his baler and tractor.
A key piece of context:
Not long before the baler fire, Ian and his neighbour attended The Doe Show 2024. During their visit, they came across the Fire Safety Stick.
The stand caught their attention because it showed how quickly a fire could be suppressed without the mess of some traditional extinguishers. Ian’s neighbour decided to purchase a few Fire Safety Sticks.
That choice would soon make all the difference.
The Day of the Baler Fire
During a long and dry working day, Ian’s baler suffered an overheated top bearing.
The bearing trapped hay and dust around it, and the heat caused smouldering that quickly turned into flames.
Ian was forced to act quickly. While he moved hay away from the baler to prevent the fire from spreading, his neighbour grabbed one of his Fire Safety Sticks.
The baler fire was developing, and flames were already visible, but timing was critical.
The neighbour ignited the 50-second Fire Safety Stick and pointed it towards the flames.
The effect was immediate.
The flames reduced to smouldering, slowing the spread and removing the immediate danger. The baler fire was controlled before it could reach the tractor or spread into the dry field.
Containing the Fire
Although the flames were reduced, the baler bearing was still hot and risked reigniting.
The Fire Safety Stick created vital time for Ian and his neighbour.
They quickly fetched a bucket of water and cooled the bearing and the surrounding area. This two-step response meant the baler fire was fully suppressed.
The tractor, baler, and field were all saved thanks to quick thinking and the effectiveness of the Fire Safety Stick.
The Aftermath of the Baler Fire
The baler only suffered minimal damage. There was some heat discolouration, paint damage, and the bearing needed replacement, which was only caused by the fire itself.
No damage was inflicted by the use of the Fire Safety Stick.
Crucially, there was no structural damage to the baler, and no impact on the tractor or field.
Within just three days, Ian replaced the bearing, and the baler was back in full use. Ian explained that without the Fire Safety Stick, the entire baler and tractor would have been destroyed. The fire would have spread to the field, causing even greater losses. Such an outcome would have cost Ian his contract for 1,000 bales and left him without essential machinery for the remainder of the season. Replacement equipment would not have been available quickly enough to cover this potential disaster. The Fire Safety Stick directly protected his livelihood.
The Success Story
Ian and his neighbour now view the Fire Safety Stick as an essential safety tool for farming. The baler fire was stopped before it escalated, proving its value in real-world farming conditions.
The experience has shown them how a small, lightweight tool can prevent major losses. Farmers face constant risk from machinery fires, and the Fire Safety Stick offers fast, effective protection. Ian hopes never to need it again, but he knows he now has the right tool at hand.
This case study demonstrates the importance of preparation and quick response.
The Fire Safety Stick prevented disaster and proved to be an investment that paid for itself many times over.