Farm fire prevention and recovery strategies

By Blake Jackson

Fire poses a constant threat to farms, with potential for devastating consequences. Lives, livestock, and buildings can all be lost in minutes. Fortunately, there are steps farmers can take to mitigate fire risks, plan for emergencies, and recover from a fire event.

Mitigating Fire Hazards:

• Construction Materials: Consider using fire-resistant materials like steel for barns and outbuildings.
• Fuel Storage: Store flammable liquids, gases, pesticides, and insecticides in a separate, clearly marked shed.
• Electrical Safety: Conduct biannual inspections of electrical circuits, including heat production in breaker panels.
• Equipment Maintenance: Check heaters for leaks and ensure proper ignition systems. Rodent control around breaker boxes is also crucial.
• Hay Storage: Proper ventilation and dust removal from hay storage areas helps prevent spontaneous combustion.

Planning for Emergencies:

• Fire Extinguishers: Strategically place ABC-rated fire extinguishers in areas with flammable materials. Train workers on proper extinguisher use (PASS method).
• Water Storage: Consider a 30,000-gallon water tank system for firefighting purposes. This can connect to fire engines or a dry hydrant system.
• Worker Plans: Establish a fire drill plan with designated assembly points. Ensure everyone on site knows the plan and practices it regularly.
• Emergency Communication: Maintain an easily accessible emergency call list and ensure clear 911 address visibility for firefighters.
• Insurance: Regularly review insurance coverage to ensure adequate value for buildings and equipment. Take photos and maintain an inventory for loss recovery.

Responding to a Fire:

• Small Fires: Workers can attempt to extinguish small fires (under 4 minutes) with hand-held extinguishers.
• Larger Fires: Evacuate immediately and call for help. Do not attempt to fight larger fires with limited resources.

Recovering from a Fire:

• Damage Assessment: If the fire is contained, document the damage with photos and an inventory of lost items for insurance purposes.
• Rebuilding: When rebuilding, prioritize fireproofing measures to minimize future fire risk.

By taking these steps, farmers can significantly reduce the risk of fire and be better prepared to handle an emergency if it occurs. Remember, fire safety is a continuous process, requiring ongoing planning, mitigation, and training.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-hirurg