HomeMy WebLinkAboutMore About Fire Prevention on the Farm
More about Fire Prevention on the Farm
Start with a plan
You may wish to contact your local fire department to find out how to effectively prevent fire on
your farm. Fire Departments can upon request visit your farm and point out areas where you can
decrease the risk of a fire. They will also provide advice on access routes to all areas of your
property. Use this information to develop a plan for your farm. Introduce the plan to everyone
who frequents your farm and ensure that procedures are up to date and practiced. If possible,
make arrangements with neighbouring farmers to provide shelter for your livestock if the event
they need to be evacuated from your farm.
Do a walk around your farm and look for any dangers that could start or support a fire. If you are
not sure of what to look for try contacting your local fire department or Keith Martin, Manager
of Fire & Emergency Services at the County of Newell and make a request for some assistance.
A barn fire can be a farmer‟s worst nightmare and often,
it brings significant emotional and economic damage to
a farming community. Past data indicate that dollar
losses on farm properties affected by fire have ranged in
the millions. There are many steps that can be taken to
establish a good fire prevention plan to reduce the risk
of fire on farm properties. The following information
outlines simple measures to ensure farm buildings and
livestock are safer from fire. These fires are largely
preventable by following good fire safety practices.
Absolutely NO smoking
There should be no smoking permitted in any barn or farm buildings at any time. Strictly enforce
a no smoking policy by posting signs and informing people who work or visit with you. Make
sure that any smokers materials are extinguished thoroughly in a safe location and manner prior
to entering the barn or farm buildings.
Practice good housekeeping in the barn
Keeping a clean, organized barn is not only crucial to farm life: it is an excellent way to prevent
fires from occurring. Loose hay and straw should be swept up. After using hay drops, always
cover the opening with plywood, or better yet, cover the plywood with flame-retardant, one-hour
gypsum board.
Provide adequate ventilation
Chemical reactions, found in baled, damp hay, can be a cause for barn fires. Rows of tightly
packed bales do not allow this build-up of heat to dissipate. Smouldering fires can go unnoticed
for some time. Spontaneous combustion can occur when the smouldering fire has reached a high
temperature and is exposed to oxygen, resulting in a full-blown fire. Store dry hay in barns and
monitor the internal temperature of hay bales. Hazardous products should also be stored in well-
ventilated areas to reduce risk of fire.
Practice electrical safety
„Electrical malfunctions‟ are a leading cause of fires. Wires should be enclosed in metal or PVC
conduit (pipe) to protect them from exposure to weather, animals, and from mechanical damage
from machinery, equipment and human sources. Regular cleaning of electrical appliances and
equipment will prevent build-up of dirt and dust, which can contribute to overheating and
malfunction. A regular maintenance cycle can also identify worn or defective parts, which can be
repaired or replaced before they become a problem. Plus remember not to overload circuits.
Install and maintain lightning rods and grounding cables
Lightning can enter a building via metal objects such as antennas or anything that extends
upward. Lightning rods are the best solution to preventing lightning source fires. These rods give
lightning a direct path to follow to the ground, keeping your barn and the livestock inside safe.
Check grounding cables frequently and repair if worn or damaged.
Keep yard areas free of brush and debris
Clear the immediate areas surrounding all barns and farm buildings by removing brush, debris,
machinery, etc. and by mowing the grass and removing weeds. Remove weeds and trim/prune
under trees and bushes. Keep grass along a roadway closely mowed (a motorist‟s stray cigarette
could be a source for fire).
Refuel equipment safely
Refueling tractors and machinery should be done well away from buildings so flammable
vapours can dissipate. Always refuel equipment outdoors, away from open flames and sparks.
Make sure engines or motors are turned off and cool before refueling.
Install and maintain portable fire extinguishers
Install portable fire extinguishers in your barn, tool shed and other farm buildings. You should
also have fire extinguishers on all mechanical equipment and machinery. Make sure family
members and farm employees know where the extinguishers are located and how to use them.
Inspect your extinguishers regularly and recharge after every use. Consult your local fire
department for advice on the type, rating, and location of extinguishers. If you have water-type
fire extinguishers, protect them from freezing.
Practice Safe Burning
If using a burning barrel ensure that that area around the barrel is free of combustible materials,
including grass and weeds. Always use a spark retention screen. Do not burn when the wind
exceeds 15 km/hr. including gusts. Have a source of water handy just in case. Supervise the burn.
Make sure everyone follows the rules
Ensure anyone visiting or working on the property learns and obeys the fire safety rules. Spread
the word. Visit neighbouring farms and share what you know. Ask other farmers what kind of
fire safety measures they have taken and participate in the exchange of information and ideas.
Ensure your neighbours know your farm‟s Rural Address and vice versa – it could be their call
that saves your farm!
It is now up to you, be prepared and be proactive to assist in keeping your Family & Farm safe as
possible from fire. Remember that “Safety is an Attitude”.
Keith Martin
Manager of Fire & Emergency Services
County of Newell
May 1, 2014