Ag Alert October 7, 2026

NATIONWIDE NEWS

How to effectively manage stored grain fire risks

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, your approved insurance and financial services company. Stored grain fires pose significant risks to both farm and commercial grain op- erations, potentially leading to extensive damage and financial loss. This guide offers strategies for effectively managing grain fires to preserve salvage value, ensure worker safety and maintain the integrity of storage facilities. THE IMPACTS OF GRAIN FIRES Financial impact Grain fires disrupt operations, leading to decreased profits and increased expenses. While insurance may cover some costs, there are also uninsured costs such as di- verted management efforts, equipment costs, lost revenue and potential fines. Injury or death Grain fires can cause severe injuries or fa- talities due to explosions, burns, suffocation, smoke inhalation and structural collapse. Proper safety precautions and personal protective equipment, or PPE, are essential. Collateral damage Grain fires can damage nearby struc- tures and equipment, lead to loss of

customers, damage reputation and result in loss of community or financial support. RECOGNIZE EARLY INDICATORS OF GRAIN FIRES Upright storage structures • Smoke: visible smoke from aeration fans, vents or wall openings. • Smell: A sour or smoky smell suggests out-of-condition grain. • Rising temperatures: high or rising temperatures in specific areas. • Elevated CO levels: High carbon mon- oxide levels can predict hot spots. Flat storage buildings, grain storage bunkers and ground piles • Smoke: visible smoke or fire from aera- tion fans, roof vents or the surface of the pile. • Smell: a sour or smoky smell from aer- ation system exhaust points. • Thermal imaging: Drones with thermal imaging cameras can detect hot spots. Contain the fire effectively • Shut off air supply: Cover all aeration ducts and fan openings. • Avoid pressure buildup: Do not seal

the structure in a way that causes pressure to build inside. • Turn off utilities: Immediately shut off power, gas and other utilities as needed. • Use water and foam cautiously: These may not always be effective and should be used judiciously. NOTIFICATION AND REPORTING Urgent situations • Initiate the facility’s emergency ac- tion plan. • Dial 911 and get first responders on the way. • Account for all workers and assess the need for rescue or treatment of injuries. • Report the claim to your insurance pro- vider as soon as possible. Non-urgent situations • After containment actions, contact your agent or insurance provider to report the claim. • Notify the local fire chief and a grain salvage contractor if necessary. TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Grain salvage contractors They help retain as much good grain as possible from a storage structure affected

by fire. They locate, control, manage and extinguish the fire, often coordinating with other entities on-site. Fire department The primary objective of the fire depart- ment should be to control and prevent the spread of fire until a grain salvage con- tractor arrives. Upon arrival, they should be made aware of the limitations of using water to extinguish grain fires and the risks of grain dust explosions. Safety precautions Be aware of the risks such as explosions, flash fires and hazardous atmospheres. Always use proper personal protective equipment. Do not hesitate to seek pro- fessional guidance when needed. Effective grain fire management requires understanding the risks, recognizing early indicators and implementing appropri- ate response strategies. By following best practices, grain operators can protect their assets, ensure worker safety and maintain operational integrity in the face of fire-re- lated challenges. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2025 Nationwide

UNDERSTAND THE ISSUES BEFORE YOU VOTE

Join California Farm Bureau for a review of the statewide ballot propositions and Farm Bureau’s recommendations on each measure. Learn how these issues may impact agriculture and get the information you need before casting your vote. Webinar Dates

Enjoy a special bourbon and a locally sourced dinner to benefit the California Farm Bureau Federation Fund to Protect the Family Farm (FarmPAC ® ).

• Thursday, October 8, 4:00 p.m. • Tuesday, October 13, 11:00 a.m. Guest Speaker Tino Rossi President, Swing Strategies Moderators Chris Reardon Vice President of Policy Advocacy, California Farm Bureau Steven Fenaroli Managing Director of Public Affairs and Communications, California Farm Bureau Register today at: cfbf.com/webinars

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026

TICKET: $125 Purchase tickets by Friday, Oct. 30

WHERE: CE Becker & Sons 298 Biggs East Hwy Biggs, CA 95917

Sponsor or purchase tickets online: visit cfbf.com/farmpac or scan the QR code

Event Hosts: Butte, Colusa, Plumas-Sierra, Tehama, and Yuba-Sutter County Farm Bureaus.

Scan the QR code

Paid for by California Farm Bureau Federation Fund to Protect the Family Farm (Farm PAC). Political donations are not tax deductible for income tax purposes.

16 Ag Alert October 7, 2026