The Spontaneous Combustion of Hay

The Spontaneous Combustion of Hay by G. Jaurs (Western Counties Laboratories, Colston Street, Bristol, 7) The mechanism of spontaneous combustion of stored hay is reviewed. Simultaneous changes in the chemical composition are outlined. which coupled with a microscopic examination, can be applied to diagnosc the cause of a rick fire. There is considerable paucity of information relating to the spontaneous combustion ofhay. From time to time papers have appeared but conclusions are not usually final. An effort has been made here to collect together the scattered information and to examine past work together with experience gained from hay samples of known hislory, to try to place knowledge on a firm basis and enable a more certain diagnosis of unknown samples to be made. Hay when freshly cut is green and has a high moisture content. The mow is allowed to dry by exposure during which time the moisture is reduced from about 75 to 20 per cent.