Issued on
02 Dec 2025 13:57
Booborowie Hay Shed Fire
Five Crews with approximately 20 firefighters remain on scene working to contain a shed fire containing stored hay bales which started last night near the Booborowie township, approximately 35 km north of Clare.
Firefighters have kept the fire from spreading to surrounding crop and grass and are working to keep the fire contained ahead of forecasted hot weather in the coming days. Firefighters will remain on site to monitor the fire overnight and the coming days, with heavy machinery being used to pull apart the burning shed and hay bales.
Heavy smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas as crews are working to pull apart and spread out the burning hay bales. There is currently nil 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 thee 'dryness' of the hay bales.
Message ID 0008742
