Barn Fires

Barn Fires

Owning and operating any kind of farm is a tough job. The last thing you need is a fire. Whether its a fully engulfed barn an indoor arena inferno or a tractor that got way too hot and decided to take the drive shed with it a fire is usually considered the worst possible thing that can happen. Ask any equine property owneroperator who has had a fire and theyll tell you that there is a lot more at stake than the barn.

How Why Did the Fire Start?

When discussing any sort of fire the first question asked is How did it start? Some may consider this to be semantics because the how is always the same there was an unfortunate combination of oxygen heat and fuel. While that question is not exactly helpful its answer is important.

WHY did the fire start? is the question that really needs to be asked. Because this question takes us back to the first answer and which of those three elements should have been prevented lets look at some of the most common ways those elements come into play.

Fuel Something has to ignite and feed the fire. Barns are perfect habitats as hay straw dust and cobwebs make prime fuel candidates. Oily rags crops grass and wood are also common elements that can be ignited and continue to feed a fire.

Heat Common heat sources for farmrelated fires are hay and straw spontaneous combustion heating systems everything from heat lamps to radiant tube heaters hot equipment vehicles large equipment and welding tools and electrical components such as wiring and fuse panels. Exposure to lightning cigarettes and outdoor fires easily increase the risk of a structure fire.

Oxygen The nature of farm buildings is that they were designed for the most part to allow ventilation and air circulation. While that is great for barn occupants it certainly doesnt help when it comes to preventing or extinguishing a fire. Often installed fire separation walls are compromised with the installation of wiring plumbing and other utility systems.

How To Stop Fire Before It Starts

As financial circumstances vary widely throughout the equine community here are some fire safety tips categorized by affordability

Lower Cost

Installation of fire extinguishers.

Maintenance schedule that includes checking wiring clearing dust and cobwebs looking for signs of corrosion etc.

Development and implementation of a fire safety plan for your facilities with the help of your local fire department.

Development and

practice of an evacuation plan for your facilities this includes human and livestock evacuation involve your local fire department whenever possible.
Enforce a strict No Smoking policy in and around your structures.
Ensure all family and staff members are trained on safe use of equipment especially actions such as ensuring vehicles and equipment are cool before storing and welding tasks are handled properly and safely.
Medium Cost include all Lower Cost items plus
Ionization smoke alarms.
Regular technical and electrical inspections by your provincial safety authority

Removal of all extension cords and replacement with professionally installed outlets.

Installation of lightning rods.

Higher Cost include all Lower and Medium Cost items plus

Sprinkler System.

Onsite water storage.

Hose cabinets.

Monitored fire alarm system.

Video surveillance.

Fire Safety for

Situate manure piles at least 10 meters away from barns to reduce the chance of combustion.

Ensure hay and straw are properly dried before storing in the barn and monitor their temperature regularly.

Keep dust and cobwebs to a minimum.

For horse barns leave horses haltered or hang halters and leads on stall doors where they are easily found should evacuation be required.

Question andor remove unknown unlicensed and unauthorized persons from the premises.

Regularly check all appliances wiring electrical equipment and heatproducing materials and equipment to ensure everything is in safe working order.

Repairreplace any frayed or damaged wiring as soon as it is identified.

Never refuel engines inside a building or while the engine is running or hot.

Extension cords should only be used temporarily and should be removed after use.

Park equipment and vehicles indoors only after they have cooled down.

Ensure all buildings and vehicles have fire extinguishers and that everyone who frequents your property knows how to use them.

Help Is Available

Does your facility have a fire safety plan?

Do buildings containing animals have an evacuation plan?

Are you your family members employees and frequent visitors trained in fire safety?

Do they know what to look for when touring the barn or operating equipment and vehicles?

If a fire started would everyone know what to do?

Your local fire department can help you answer yes to these questions. Most fire departments will have fire prevention or public education personnel who can work with you and many will do so for a reasonable fee or no fee at all.