Why a tight farm economy can mean higher combine fire risk this harvest

During harvest, the last thing you want to see is smoke coming from your combine. A fire fueled by crop residue and fuel can escalate quickly, but the good news is that most combine fires are preventable. With the right maintenance, awareness and tools you can protect your equipment and your harvest, especially if you're running an older machine. In a tight farm economy, understanding these risks is more important than ever.

Older equipment, higher risks

According to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), tractor and combine sales in December 2025 were down nearly 15% and 4%, respectively, compared to the previous year. This trend suggests farmers are holding onto older equipment longer to save money. While this decision is understandable when margins are tight, it means more older, higher-hour machines are in the field. This can lead to issues like worn bearings and frayed belts, which increase the risk of fire.

“If you plan on keeping a machine longer than expected, good preseason maintenance is essential, said firefighter and Nationwide Agribusiness Risk Management Consultant Derek Hommer, CCA. "With another potentially dry and dirty crop, any machine issue that causes friction and heat can quickly become a fire. Keeping your equipment clean and well-maintained can pay huge dividends."

Causes for most combine fires

The majority of combine fires trace back to a handful of common culprits:

• Overheated bearings and belts. Worn or poorly lubricated parts can generate enough friction and heat to ignite nearby crop debris.
• Crop residue buildup. Chaff, leaves and dust can collect on hot surfaces like the engine and exhaust manifold, creating tinder-dry kindling.
• Electrical issues. Worn wiring and loose connections can spark, particularly in older combines.
• Fuel or hydraulic fluid leaks. Even a small leak can ignite if it comes into contact with a hot surface.
• Static electricity and exhaust sparks. A stray spark in dry, dusty conditions can be enough to start a fire.

“The common thread is a heat source meeting a fuel source,” Hommer said. “Reduce one or both, and you dramatically lower your risk of a combine fire.”

Proactive maintenance is your first line of defense

While you can't eliminate every risk, proactive maintenance is a huge step toward protecting yourself from combine fires. Build these habits into your harvest routine:

• Clean your machine often
• Inspect bearings, belts and chains daily
• Check the electrical and fuel systems
• Keep up with scheduled service

"Maintenance handles the mechanical side, but it’s just as important to follow personal safety protocols,” Hommer said. “Always carry fire extinguishers on your equipment, watch your temperature gauges and pay attention to weather conditions like low humidity and high wind speeds, which can fuel a fire. Use this checklist to identify fire hazards and strengthen your safety plan. And make sure you have a way to contact first responders, even in areas with weak cell reception.”

Tools that add a new layer of combine fire protection

Modern fire suppression tools add even more protection from combine fires. Through Nationwide's partnerships, customers get access to two standout solutions.

More agtech partner discounts

Nationwide partners with industry-leading providers to offer solutions that help reduce risk, improve safety and increase operational efficiency. Preferred pricing is available to Nationwide customers, making these solutions more accessible. Discover other protective solutions at Nationwide.com/Agtech.