UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Hot, dry weather in many parts of Pennsylvania may be increasing the risk of tower silo fires, warns an extension farm safety specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences. Davis Hill says a lack of proper forage moisture content and/or poor fermentation of silage could lead to the production of greater amounts of volatile gases that can ignite a silo fire.

Hill explains that the moisture content for forages stored in a silo should be between 45 and 65 percent. If the moisture content falls below 45 percent, fire risk increases.

"When you ferment corn plants in a silo, the fermentation process generates heat," Hill says. "If there's not enough moisture to dissipate that heat, spontaneous combustion can result." He adds that several flammable gases, including hydrogen and methane, are by-products of fermenting silage.

"If excess gases are present, they could burst into flames if exposed to a source of ignition, such as static electricity or sparks created during the loading or blowing of silage," Hill says. "Other potential ignition sources are barn lights or other electrical equipment near or at the base of unloading chutes."

Hill says farmers should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of silo fires:

--Test the moisture of the forage being ensiled.

--Add water to the silage at the silo blower.

--Water down silo unloading chutes.

--Provide plenty of ventilation around the silo, especially at loading areas and up chutes. "Use a barn fan to keep extra oxygen moving up the silo chute," advises Hill. "This helps prevent the generation of excess silo gases and dilutes the gases present, keeping them from reaching explosive concentrations."

--Clean out chaff and other debris from the silo chute and from around the rungs or frame of chute doors.

Hill says farmers also must remember that besides the potential fire hazard, silo gases are toxic, especially in the first 48 to 60 hours after filling. "If you must enter the silo within the first 48 to 60 hours, protect yourself by wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus," he warns. "If you don't have access to one, stay out of the silo.

"Dangerous levels of silo gas may be present for an additional two to three weeks," he adds. "To enter without a self-contained breathing apparatus during this period, ventilate with the silo blower. Open all doors, run the blower fan for 20 minutes and leave it running while you are in the silo. Enter only after you have put on a respirator for toxic dust, and have a second person with you to assist in an emergency."

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EDITORS: Contact Davis Hill at 814-865-2808 or e-mail deh27@psu.edu.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-863-9877 fax #257