Issued on
04 Jan 2026 17:28
Tintinara Hay Stack Fire
The SA Country Fire Service (CFS), together with support from farm fire units and heavy machinery, have been actively monitoring a contained hay stack fire 20 kilometers south-west of the Tintinara township in the Upper South East of South Australia.
The hay stack has been deconstructed and is now continuing to be monitored by the landowner. The CFS would like to thank the landowner for their significant support and resources committed to this incident and local crews for their diligence in monitoring this fire and working to ensure the incident remained safe.
Smoke may continue to be visible in the area in coming days. To ensure your safety and that of firefighting personnel please do not enter the area unless necessary.
Ahead of the hot weather predicted in the coming week, we encourage everyone to check their hay stacks for early signs of combustion and take 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 the 'dryness' of the hay bales.
Message ID 0008897
