Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
Farmers are being reminded to take care when hay bailing this season to avoid fires.
Fire and Emergency's national wildfire manager Tim Mitchell said firefighters are called out to hay barn fires every year.
"This can often result in the loss of entire bales or even barns or sheds."
He said if hay is too moist when bailed there is a heightened risk of the haystack spontaneously combusting.
"Current conditions are challenging for hay making, the frequent rain and overcast conditions we are seeing in many areas of the country is making it difficult to get good drying between cutting and bailing of hay.
"Heating is undesirable, not only because there is a danger of fire from spontaneous combustion, but because it also impairs or severely reduces the nutrient content in the hay."
Mitchell said with drought conditions looking likely this summer, losing precious feed could be disastrous.
"It's important that people take their time and not rush the process."
Fire and Emergency's tips for safe hay bailing:
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