Farm fire safety

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service have responded to 223 agricultural farmland incidents over the last 5 years .

Due to the combustible materials stored in or around agricultural buildings, farms are at a high risk of fire, As farms are mostly situated in highly rural areas of the country, their isolated locations also increase the risk of fires spreading quickly and emergency services taking longer to locate and respond to fires. Increasingly high temperatures during the summer months also raises the risk of wildfires breaking out on farmland. It’s vital that farmers take necessary precautions to prevent the worst from happening, and ensure they’re prepared in case a fire breaks out. 

Top tips to be prepared in case of fire: 

• Download the What3words app to give a precise location to emergency services 
• Ensure your farm is clearly signposted and make sure you keep all access routes clear in case emergency vehicles need to access the site 
• Always keep escape routes clear and free from rubbish or combustible materials 
• Always carry a mobile phone in case you need to make an emergency call
• Keep a list of useful telephone numbers with you
• Plan ahead  
• Make sure everyone on the farm knows the fire plan 
• Keep any firefighting equipment easily accessible and ensure everyone knows where it’s stored 
• Ensure any firefighting equipment is serviced regularly to keep it in good working order 
• Make sure you have an animal evacuation plan for your livestock in the event of a fire.
• Do not store flammable items near livestock.

• Vehicles that are not well maintained are at a higher risk of fire so ensure machinery is well maintained and serviced regularly – keep it free from hay, straw, oil and grease.
• Always carry a mobile phone in case you need to make an emergency call
• Keep a list of useful telephone numbers with you 

• Ensure any fuels, chemicals and hazardous materials are stored securely and clearly labelled.
• Hazardous materials must be stored well away from other buildings. Only store what you need.
• Cigarettes and smoking pose a fire risk so make sure you have designated areas for smoking away from combustible materials
• Ensure cigarettes and matches are extinguished properly.
• Make sure you have completed your COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) assessment. Read the Government’s advice around COSHH in agriculture

• Remove hay and straw from fields as soon as possible after harvesting. Many fires are caused by storing damp or wet hay so, ensure it is dry before storing, to prevent spontaneous combustion.
• Store hay and straw away from other buildings, especially those containing fuels or chemicals, and separate from livestock.
• Store hay and straw in stacks at least 10 metres apart and ensure there is sufficient space between the top of the stack and electrical roof lighting.

It only takes one spark landing on dry materials to start a fire.

• Carry out regular electrical safety checks.
• Never leave anything running or switched on unnecessarily.
• Only carry out hot work, such as welding or grinding, in clear areas well away from any flammable substances and buildings used to store hay/straw.

Arson is a common cause of farm fires. Taking necessary precautions can reduce the risks:

Security and storage:

• Lock all sheds and buildings and use alarms, security signs and lights as deterrents
• Keep fuels, chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers locked away.
• Maintain secure fencing and gates and repair any damage quickly
• Dogs can help give an early warning of intruders
• Hay and straw should be stored securely
• Rubbish should be safely disposed of regularly

As a farmer it’s your responsibility to protect your business, your livestock and those who work
as employees on your premises, from fire.

Fire Safety Law applies to farmers so you must take action:

• Carry out a Fire Risk Assessment to ensure that your business premises are protected from fire
• Improve your fire safety measures if needed
• Keep the risks and your fire safety measures under review
• Make sure everyone on the farm knows what to do in the event of a fire or another emergency