Insurer looks to raise awareness of tractor fire risk

New Zealand's largest rural insurer launches campaign to raise awareness of tractor fire risk

New Zealand's largest rural insurer, FMG, is launching a campaign to raise awareness of the risks of tractor fires during the nesting season. The campaign comes with the endorsement of the National Rural Fire Authority.

FMG Head of Claims, Sean Beattie, says tractor fires are a major problem in rural New Zealand from September to November as birds such as starlings can build a nest in a tractor engine in under an hour.

"A tractor engine fire can put a tractor out of action at one of the busiest times of the year. On average, FMG receives over 70 claims a year for $1.2 million of damage in tractor fires, commonly caused by nesting birds.

"Tractor users can take some simple steps to reduce the risk of tractor fires: always "stop and pop" the hood when you leave your tractor unattended to deter birds from nesting and fit a foam fire extinguisher in every tractor cab."