Understand the impacts of grain fires
Financial impact
Grain fires disrupt operations, leading to decreased profits and increased expenses. While insurance may cover some costs, there are also uninsured costs such as diverted management efforts, equipment costs, lost revenue, and potential fines.
Injury or death
Grain fires can cause severe injuries or fatalities due to explosions, burns, suffocation, smoke inhalation, and structural collapse. Proper safety precautions and personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential.
Collateral damage
Grain fires can damage nearby structures and equipment, lead to loss of customers, damage reputation, and result in loss of community or financial support.
Recognize early indicators of grain fires
Upright storage structures
- Smoke: Visible smoke from aeration fans, vents, or wall openings
- Smell: A sour or smoky smell suggests out-of-condition grain
- Rising temperatures: High or rising temperatures in specific areas
- Elevated CO levels: High carbon monoxide levels can predict hot spots
Flat storage buildings, grain storage bunkers, and ground piles
- Smoke: Visible smoke or fire from aeration fans, roof vents, or the surface of the pile
- Smell: A sour or smoky smell from aeration system exhaust points
- Thermal imaging: Drones with thermal imaging cameras can detect hot spots
Contain the fire effectively
- Shut off air supply: Cover all aeration ducts and fan openings.
- Avoid pressure build-up: Do not seal the structure in a way that causes pressure to build inside.
- Turn off utilities: Immediately shut off power, gas and other utilities as needed.
- Use water and foam cautiously: These may not always be effective and should be used judiciously.
Notification and reporting
Urgent situations
- Initiate the facility’s emergency action plan
- Dial 911 and get first responders on the way
- Account for all workers and assess the need for rescue or treatment of injuries
- Report the claim to your insurance provider as soon as possible
Non-urgent situations
- After containment actions, contact your agent or insurance provider to report the claim
- Notify the local fire chief and a grain salvage contractor if necessary
Collaborate with professionals and take safety precautions
Grain salvage contractors
They help retain as much good grain as possible from a storage structure affected by fire. They locate, control, manage, and extinguish the fire, often coordinating with other entities on-site.
Fire department
The primary objective of the fire department should be to control and prevent the spread of fire until a grain salvage contractor arrives. Upon arrival, they should be made aware of the limitations of using water to extinguish grain fires and the risks of grain dust explosions.
Safety precautions
Be aware of the risks such as explosions, flash fires, and hazardous atmospheres. Always use proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Do not hesitate to seek professional guidance when needed.
Effective grain fire management requires understanding the risks, recognizing early indicators, and implementing appropriate response strategies. By following best practices, grain operators can protect their assets, ensure worker safety, and maintain operational integrity in the face of fire-related challenges.
