Protect Farm Equipment from Sunflower Harvest Fires

By Scout Nelson

Farmers Urged to Prevent Combine Fires During Sunflower Harvest

Sunflower harvest is progressing across North Dakota as dry weather and soil conditions allow farmers to work quickly. However, warm temperatures, low humidity, strong winds, and dry plant material increase the risk of combine fires. Farmers should take extra care to protect their equipment, crops, and workers during harvest.

Angie Johnson, North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension farm and ranch safety specialist, highlighted the need for careful equipment maintenance, regular cleaning, and close attention to weather conditions. North Dakota expects to harvest about 591,000 acres of sunflowers in 2026, an 18% increase from 2025, based on estimates from the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Why Sunflower Harvest Increases Fire Risks

Combine fires can occur when hot engine parts, electrical faults, or sparks come into contact with dry plant material. Sunflower harvest presents an added risk because the crop produces large amounts of dust and small plant particles.

“Mix warm, dry harvest conditions with high wind speeds, and you have a recipe for fires, especially when combining sunflowers,” says Johnson.

The white material inside sunflower stalks, known as pith, can break into tiny particles during harvesting. These particles are easily pulled into the combine's cooling system, where they can collect on engine and exhaust parts. Hot exhaust components and turbochargers can reach temperatures above 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a risk of ignition.

Electrical problems, including damaged wires and faulty connections, can also produce sparks that start fires.

“Believe it or not, there was a time when producers made the decision to quit raising sunflowers because of the constant fire risk and complete combine losses that took place because of combine fires due to sunflowers,” says Johnson.

Clean and Inspect Equipment Daily

Farmers should inspect their combines before starting work each day. Once the machine is turned off and fully cooled, use an air compressor or leaf blower to remove dust, chaff, dirt, and plant material. Wear hearing, eye, and respiratory protection, including an N95 mask, when cleaning equipment.

Follow the operator's manual for daily maintenance. Grease and lubricate bearings and chains, and check for worn or damaged parts. Inspect wiring for loose connections, exposed sections, and areas where wires rub against moving parts.

Farmers should also watch equipment gauges and warning signs. Higher fuel use, falling hydraulic pressure, repeated blown fuses, or unusually high temperatures may point to a problem. Stop the machine and find the cause before continuing.

An infrared thermometer can help identify overheated bearings. Warm up the combine as directed by the manufacturer and compare bearing temperatures. A bearing that is much hotter than others may need inspection or replacement.

An air intake kit can also help bring cleaner air into the combine from above the dust cloud, reducing the amount of dust entering the machine.

Monitor Weather and Field Conditions

Farmers should check wind speeds, temperatures, and humidity before and during harvest. North Dakota Agricultural Weather Network provides updated local weather readings at ndawn.info.

Avoid combining when fire danger is high, especially during periods of low humidity, strong winds, and high temperatures. Although good harvest conditions can make it tempting to keep working, stopping at the right time may prevent major losses.

Farmers can check local fire danger levels and restrictions through the North Dakota fire danger maps.

Prepare for a Fire Emergency

Having the right tools nearby can help limit damage if a fire starts.

Carry fire extinguishers: Keep two fully charged, 20-pound fire extinguishers on the combine when possible. Make sure workers know how to use them.

Keep water nearby: A filled water truck in the field can provide support during an emergency.

Create a firebreak: When conditions are dry and windy, consider tilling around the field's edge to help slow the spread of fire.

Park equipment safely: Keep trucks, tractors, grain carts, and other vehicles away from dry grass and heavy vegetation. Hot exhaust systems can ignite nearby plant material.

Allow equipment to cool: Let machinery cool before parking it inside a shed or refueling it.

Workers should know the emergency plan and understand when to use firefighting equipment and when to move to safety and call emergency services.

“Overall, good machine maintenance, cleaning and monitoring can help reduce the incidence of combine fires during crop harvest,” says Johnson. “Combines and crops are replaceable – you are not.”

Find More Harvest Safety Resources

Farmers can review NDSU Extension's combine fire prevention information for additional advice. A crop harvest fire prevention checklist is also available to help producers prepare their equipment and fields.

Daily inspections, proper cleaning, weather monitoring, and emergency planning can reduce the risk of combine fires. Taking time to prepare helps protect farmers, workers, crops, and valuable machinery during sunflower harvest.

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