Scotland’s harvest is underway but, with temperatures soaring, chair of NFU Scotland’s Legal and Technical Committee, Alasdair Macnab is using #FarmSafetyWeek to urge growers to put contingency plans in place to combat combine or crop fires.

Every year combines catch fire during harvest destroying machines, putting people, buildings and crops at risk, and disrupting harvest operations but this year, the risk in some areas has been heightened by near record temperatures.

Alasdair’s top tips are:

“First and foremost, put the safety of yourself, your family and staff first.  They must be your priority.

“Have an emergency plan in place for dealing with a fire on the combine or in the field.  The situation can quickly get worse so having a plan of action in place and making sure everyone involved in harvesting is aware of it is important.

“As well as maintaining the combine, and fitting fire suppressant systems, please keep a well-maintained fire extinguisher on the combine for use in an emergency.

“Should fire be a risk, it may be sensible to have a bowser filled with water, a tractor, and a plough ready to create a fire break if needed.

“Keep your phone charged and your voicemail message updated with your location and please use the What3Words app to help emergency services find you in the event of a fire.

“Let’s look forward to a good and safe harvest this year.”