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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/horse-hay-temperature-fire

The inside of a hay stack reaches 175 to 190 F. What should you do?

Contact the fire department, fire is imminent.

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  1. Break the stack apart by hand
  2. Water it lightly and wait
  3. Contact the fire department ✔

Why: Hay that is overheating can burst into flames on its own, called spontaneous combustion. At these temperatures a fire is imminent. Moving bales brings in fresh air, so let firefighters handle it.

Huh, didn't know that: Above 190 F, UMN says use extreme caution because bales may combust when moved.

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References

Answer: Contact the fire department. Hay that is overheating can burst into flames on its own, called spontaneous combustion. At these temperatures a fire is imminent. Moving bales brings in fresh air, so let firefighters handle it.

  1. Preventing hay fires, UMN Extension extension.umn.edu/node/17756
    Fire is imminent. Contact the fire department.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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