Essex: Four crews attend combine harvester fire
24th July 2025
Four fire crews were sent to a combine harvester fire that took place last night on a field in Essex.
Firefighters from Thaxted, Wethersfield, Dunmow, and Newport were called to a combine harvester fire during the late hours of Wednesday, 23rd July, near Holders Green Road in Thaxted.
While the crews worked to extinguish the fire, the farmer ploughed around the area to create a firebreak to stop the fire from spreading.
Firefighters believe that the fire was caused accidentally, due to the machine overheating. It has been confirmed that no one was hurt.
A spokesperson for Dunmow Fire Station said: “This was a significant incident, and we’re incredibly grateful to the local farmers who quickly sprang into action, ploughing around the affected area to create firebreaks and prevent the blaze from spreading further.
“Their quick thinking and hard work were invaluable in helping us bring the fire under control and saving vital crops.”
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service issued advice for farmers: “You can reduce the risk of a fire by making sure machinery and vehicles are well maintained and serviced regularly. Clean machinery regularly to keep it free from hay, straw, oil and grease.”
NFU Mutual shares tips on how to prevent a combine fire this harvest
- Ensure planned preventative maintenance (PPM) is up to date and in accordance with the manufacturer’s service schedule before using any machinery, including areas where friction or sparks could be created
- Fit a suppression system that meets P-mark status to contain, extinguish and prevent fire
- Regularly clean out dust and chaff from hot spots in combines and balers and check the machine over when you finish use for the day
- Switch off engines and ensure moving parts have stopped before clearing blockages or carrying out maintenance
- Always stop to investigate hot-running engines or bearings
- Have a plan in place in the event of fire including a system for keeping in contact with lone workers and anyone working or living on farm
- Keep mobile phones on you at all times – it’s no use to you if it’s left in a tractor or pickup cab
- Make sure drivers are aware of the locations and heights of power lines and check that you will safely pass under wires
- Make sure there is a fire extinguisher on the combine – and that it is regularly maintained – and that you know where the nearest water source is
- In very dry conditions, keep a bowser filled with water on hand, and be prepared to create a fire break in the event of a crop fire
- Use the What3WordsApp so that emergency services can find your location easily
- Remind staff to keep well-hydrated, take sufficient rest breaks and monitor for fatigue, stress and mental ill health symptoms.
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