Hay field cutting august

[mojoma]

Hey all. I'm wondering about
cutting tall dry grs that wasn't cut when the hay was done. I'm in Oregon and it's hot, dry and the tall grass is brown.
Given the fire danger, I'm really leary of getting it cut. The guy that would cut it has an old massy with a mower.
Thanks!

 

[stevieb49829]

Given the conditions we have right now out here in the PNW, I'd try to cut it when it's damp out. Early morning, or after a shower. That will reduce the risk of a machinery spark starting something. I'd also have a tote full of water nearby, just in case. Or see if you can rent or borrow a pump trailer for the day. Then monitor it for a couple of hours after you are done. Many a well-meaning individual burned down the whole neighborhood without proper planning and execution. Talk to your fire people (State/County). They may have some suggestions to reduce the hazard or may be able to assist. steve

 

[mojoma]

Given the conditions we have right now out here in the PNW, I'd try to cut it when it's damp out. Early morning, or after a shower. That will reduce the risk of a machinery spark starting something. I'd also have a tote full of water nearby, just in case. Or see if you can rent or borrow a pump trailer for the day. Then monitor it for a couple of hours after you are done. Many a well-meaning individual burned down the whole neighborhood without proper planning and execution. Talk to your fire people (State/County). They may have some suggestions to reduce the hazard or may be able to assist. steve

Wow thank you so much. It really gives me pause because I have a low producing well so that's not an emergency option. I'm leaning towards just leaving it. I had to evac a couple weeks ago because a hay field caught fire. It was freshly cut and it burned about 110 acres or more.
The hay was cut and taken in June. This is right behind house where they couldn't get to it.

 

[mojoma]

Wow thank you so much. It really gives me pause because I have a low producing well so that's not an emergency option. I'm leaning towards just leaving it. I had to evac a couple weeks ago because a hay field caught fire. It was freshly cut and it burned about 110 acres or more.
The hay was cut and taken in June. This is right behind house where they couldn't get to it.

Given the conditions we have right now out here in the PNW, I'd try to cut it when it's damp out. Early morning, or after a shower. That will reduce the risk of a machinery spark starting something. I'd also have a tote full of water nearby, just in case. Or see if you can rent or borrow a pump trailer for the day. Then monitor it for a couple of hours after you are done. Many a well-meaning individual burned down the whole neighborhood without proper planning and execution. Talk to your fire people (State/County). They may have some suggestions to reduce the hazard or may be able to assist. steve

The rain part we can forget until end of October probably. Great suggestions. Think I'll reach out to my "fire people".

My neighbor was mowing dry grass field today late afternoon. I was concerned to say the least. Temps in 90's, windy, mowing dry field. Ouch.

 

[Charles in Aus.]

My barn paddock caught fire once , only took some friction from the old Ariens belt drive mower to ignite it . SE Gippsland , one of the most fire prone areas in the world .
When I'm not sure about something I ask myself ' what would my father have advised ? '

 

[showcrop]

I started a fire once when mowing and it really got going before I turned and saw it. Luckily I had my Fire Dept. radio with me so I was able to call it in. You need to consider the danger of leaving all that fuel standing. 2.5 gallon pressurized water extinguishers work very well on grass. I would borrow 2-3 then stand by with them while it is mowed.

 

[stevieb49829]

The rain part we can forget until end of October probably. Great suggestions. Think I'll reach out to my "fire people".

My neighbor was mowing dry grass field today late afternoon. I was concerned to say the least. Temps in 90's, windy, mowing dry field. Ouch.

We are actually rather damp right now. A couple days of rain is not common for us this time of year. I even thought about burning a couple of piles yesterday, but then I went back inside, out of the Oregon smoke you've been sending us!! 30 years wildland fire fighting gave me a real healthy dose of caution. steve

 

[Alvin 41]

Hey all. I'm wondering about
cutting tall dry grs that wasn't cut when the hay was done. I'm in Oregon and it's hot, dry and the tall grass is brown.
Given the fire danger, I'm really leary of getting it cut. The guy that would cut it has an old massy with a mower.
Thanks!

Bushogs or discbines are much more fire hazard than sicle mowers.