Chaos on the field: Burning bale presses in Westerstetten and Osterberg!

Chaos on the field: Burning bale presses in Westerstetten and Osterberg!

On Saturday, July 20, 2025, several fires of bales caused excitement in the Baden-Württemberg region. During the harvest time, when farmers work in full swing, there were terrible incidents both in Westerstetten in the Alb-Donau district and in Osterberg in the district of Neu-Ulm. This situation is also exacerbated by the persistent heat and drought, which is known to increase the risk of forest fire, as [agrarheute.com] (https://www.agrarheute.com/technik/ackerbautechnik/grosse- Ballenpresse-10-Hectar-feld-nieder-596605) reports.

In Osterberg, a baler sparked during harvesting. The fire captured a neighboring barley field and led to an estimated property damage of around 150,000 euros. The situation in Westerstetten was no less dramatic. Here a bale press caught fire, whereupon the flames spread to an adjacent tractor. A police helicopter that was actually involved in a height rescue exercise in Ulm was called to monitor the situation in Westerstetten. According to the [tagesschau.de] (https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/badenwuerttemberg/swr-westerstetten-osterberg-brennende- Ballenpressen-uren-flaechenbraende-100.html), the flames could be insulated with the help of farmers. Fortunately, everyone involved was unharmed.

heat wave and its consequences

The fires are not to be considered isolated. The persistent drought in the region increases the risk of surface fires and agricultural work, especially with slightly inflammatory materials such as straw and hay, are a risk. According to Brandschutz-zentrale.de, fire-threatening work should always be carried out carefully, with sufficient safety distances. For example, straw and hay should be stored at least 25 meters away from power lines and buildings in order to minimize the risk of a fire.

The situation underlines the need to take fire protection precautions in agriculture seriously. Self -inflammation can result from the improper storage of hay and straw, and therefore careful temperature monitoring is essential in the harvest time. Temperatures above 60 ° C require surrounding alarm to prevent worse things.

The tragic incidents in Westerstetten and Osterberg are an urgent reminder of how important preventive measures and the correct maintenance of machines are. When working in the fields, a good hand should always be preserved in order not only to secure the harvest, but also to protect human life and property.