The words “barn” and “fire” are two words that no farm owner wants to hear in the same sentence. It is an event that we often do not consider until it is too late.
Remnants of a barn crashing to the ground as it burns out.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, most barn fires are related to heating equipment and occur during the month of January.
© 2006 by photophanatic New window.
The term "barn" can be used to describe many structures found on farms, but the use of the structures may vary widely depending on the operation. Barn structures can be used for animal housing, equipment and commodity storage, repair shops, or even a mix of multiple uses.
A common example of a mixed-use barn is hay stored above animal housing. Although the uses may vary, a common theme of agricultural barns is that they tend to have large fire loads which means they contain flammable material and can burn rapidly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most barn fires are related to heating and occur during the month of January.
Barn fires can be difficult to recover from and can leave a heavy burden on farm families and employees. Recognizing the risk and taking proper preventive measures will help protect your family, employees, and investments.
Benefits of Preparing a Plan
Creating a fire pre-plan is an important step in barn fire safety. Farm owners and managers should develop a fire pre-plan that is specific to their facility’s needs and list appropriate actions to take, such as evacuation procedures, in case of a fire emergency. This plan should be reviewed on a regular basis with family and employees to emphasize that personal safety is the highest priority.
Additionally, the plan should include a map of the farm and an emergency contact list. A map of the farm operation should show important locations such as chemical storage, livestock housing, fuel tanks, available water sources for use by the fire department, and any other items unique to the property.
An emergency contact sheet should list the farm name and address, directions to the farm, and phone numbers for the managers or owners who are familiar with the facility.
These documents should be placed in a known, secure area accessible to those at the facility. This information can also be shared with the local first responders who would be summoned if an emergency did occur.
Preventative Measures
Regular safety inspections, removing potential ignition sources, and reducing the amount of flammable material both in and around barn structures are important to decrease the risk of a potential fire. Recommendations to decrease the risk of a fire:
- Maintain and inspect yearly all wiring, junction boxes, and electric panels. Make appropriate repairs if any damage is found.
- Remove cobweb or dust accumulation on lights, wiring, and heating sources.
- Install bulb covers on light fixtures.
- Properly discard any unnecessary flammable items such as oily rags and waste products.
- Store fuel and other flammable materials in appropriate containers in a secure area away from heat sources and livestock.
- Have designated areas away from structures for equipment fueling.
- Commodities, such as hay, should be monitored for any abnormal heating and, if possible, stored in a separate structure from animal housing. Cure baled hay outside before bringing into storage structures.
- Explore the feasibility of having lightning rods installed or existing ones inspected by a professional technician.
- Ensure heating equipment, such as space heaters and heat lamps, are used in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Clean and inspect equipment yearly.
- Do not allow smoking inside or near the barn.
- Remove excess vegetation and clutter from around all structures.
- Store pesticides, herbicides, and rodenticides in a separate locked shed away from other farm structures. Place safety placards (NFPA diamond) warning of shed contents.
Additional Considerations
Aside from proper housekeeping, barns should have ABC multi-purpose fire extinguishers readily available within 50 feet of any point inside the barn. Farm employees should be trained annually in the appropriate use of a fire extinguisher and understand the evacuation procedures for people and animals outlined in the facility’s fire pre-plan.
Some barns may also require additional fire protection systems such as a fire sprinkler system. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 150 provides details specific to animal housing facilities for fire protection systems including extinguishers and sprinklers.
If possible, invite local fire departments to tour your farm to familiarize the operation, and review on farm resources to fight fires. Lastly, farm driveways should be well marked and maintained for emergency vehicles access. By practicing proper fire prevention methods and creating a fire pre-plan for your operation, the risk and cost of a barn fire can be greatly reduced.
Press release by NFPA