Massive fire alarm: combine harvester fire threatens Schmadebecker field!
On July 2, 2025, a fire broke out in a field during mowing work in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, for which 100 emergency services were mobilized.

Massive fire alarm: combine harvester fire threatens Schmadebecker field!
A terrible scenario took place in northern Germany today: A fire broke out in a field near Schmadebeck, the cause of which was probably caused by the mowing work of a combine harvester. According to that NDR Around 100 police and fire departments were deployed from 2:20 p.m. to fight the flames. They protected adjacent forests by cutting fire breaks to prevent the fire from spreading. At times, several hectares of farmland were in flames, forcing the fire department to act quickly. Residents were asked to keep windows and doors closed and avoid public facilities.
The harvest season, especially in late summer, is usually busy in rural areas. How on Damage prism described, many agricultural machines, including tractors, combine harvesters and balers, are in constant use during this time. These high temperatures, coupled with dryness, significantly increase the risk of overheating and technical defects. This is a recurring problem and poses major challenges for smaller local fire departments. The alert code for such fires is “Fire 4,” which indicates an agricultural vehicle on fire.
Risks from agricultural machinery
The actions of the fire brigade and neighbors are often crucial. A recent example was the fire at a baling press, where 6,000 liters of water were used to fight the fire and put out the fire. Thanks to the quick response of the local fire department and support from farmers, more serious damage was prevented. But the problem remains: increasingly technically sophisticated machines create new fire risks, and as the reports show, the average damage caused by fires in the agricultural sector is comparable to that of commercial operations.
These fires not only have a devastating impact on the machines themselves, but in an emergency they can also endanger the livelihoods of the farmers affected. Figures from Austria show: Around 20% of all fires affect agricultural businesses. This development forces us to rethink the alarm and response order and to provide additional fire engines and special equipment, as shown Lko.at is indicated.
Fire protection as a necessity
A few simple fire prevention tips are crucial: vehicles should not be parked outdoors if they have previously been in use, and extinguishing equipment should be kept at the edge of the field. Maintenance of these machines is equally important. Technicians and farmers know that regular maintenance intervals and having fire extinguishers make a big difference in the event of an emergency.
The focus is therefore on the realization that fires on agricultural machinery are not just a local problem. Raising awareness is crucial to reducing the risk and minimizing the potential for fire in businesses. That's why close cooperation between farmers, fire departments and local authorities is essential to prevent possible tragedies in the future.