Issued on
31 Mar 2026 12:53
Booleroo Centre Haystack Fire
The CFS is responding to a Haystack Fire south of Booleroo Centre and Melrose in the Flinders Ranges, South Australia.
CFS firefighters on 4 trucks, supported by local landowners and council, are on scene working to break apart and extinguish the approximately 230 hay bales that are burning near Schmidt and McCallum roads, Booleroo Centre.
CFS firefighters have prevented the fire from spreading to a near by hay shed and tree plantation.
The smoke from this fire is expected be highly visible in the surrounding areas for some time, whilst crews break apart and extinguish the fire. Emergency services and heavy machinery may be working on and around roads in the area, and motorists are advised to stay away. If you need to travel on roads in the area, please take care and drive to the local conditions.
The cause of the fire is suspected to be internal combustion of the hay bales, after recent rains in the area. 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 0009376
