How to set fire to a field - the safe way!

50 YEARS AGO

The Herald’s farming page carried an article warning of the dangers of the, then, common practice of burning off straw and stubble after harvesting.

“Fire is a serious hazard and burning, if not done carefully, can place other people at risk and cause damage to property and to wild life. Farmers should apply commonsense precautions which are in the safety code for straw and stubble burning.

“Never burn straw or stubble where it is clearly imprudent to do so, particularly when conditions are tinder dry or when the wind strength and direction is creating or likely to create a hazard.

“Always burn into (against) the wind. Never burn downwind.

“The least dangerous time for burning is early morning when there is a dew. Avoid mid-day burning.

“Do not burn where there is a timber or thatched building, a rick or stack, any farm equipment or stock in the field nearby. Make sure there is an adequate firebreak when there is in the field or adjacent - any standing white straw crop; any woodland or game covert; any boundary fence or hedgerow.

The necessary width for a fire break depends on the dryness of the straw or stubble and other factors. In favourable conditions a minimum should be ten furrows (about 9 ft) ploughed in.

“Remember that straw fire creates its own wind currents by which burning straw can be carried considerable distances. Do not let fire spread beyond your capacity to control it.”