Newsdate: Mon 29 February 2016 – 6:45 am
Location: GUELPH, Ontario

Fire is an ever-present concern for stable owners and Equine Guelph has compiled a list of excellent Fire Prevention resources.

Firemen rescuing horses from barn fire

Preventing fires is a proactive strategy and depends on daily management of your barn by maintaining equipment, managing the cleanliness of the horse barn, and storing straw and hay away from the barn.
© 2016 by Barbara Sheridan

According to Retired Chief of Fire Prevention, Bob Webb the most common reasons for barn fires is faulty equipment, not being aware of managing the cleanliness of the area, and storage of straw and hay in your barn.

As a home owner you can reduce your risk by maintaining your electrical equipment (including heaters), using equipment that is code compliant and that your equipment is away from things that will catch fire.

Preventing fires is a proactive strategy and depends on daily management of your barn.

The best thing you can do today is call your local fire department and schedule a walk through of your facility. A qualified electrician should also evaluate your facility. There are many steps that can be taken to establish good fire prevention practices.

The following list provides an excellent starting point

• Smoke detectors are checked at least twice a year
• Clearly marked utility shutoffs – Everyone should know where they are and how to turn them off
• Mount 5 pound (minimum) ABC #re extinguishers at each exit and in all mechanical and feed rooms (if stable is large or houses a generator,and a 10 pound (minimum) ABC fire extinguisher is installed every 50 feet)
• Everyone at the stable knows how to use a fire extinguisher
• All electrical wire is encased in non-corrosive conduit, outlets are GFCI
• and extensions cords are only used temporarily
• All light fixtures are encased in glass globe and wire cage
• Hay and bedding are stored in a separate building at least 50 feet away from the stable
• Stalls each have an exterior door (recommended)
• Have sprinkler system inside the stable - installed by a licensed contractor and is appropriate for climate and water system (recommended)
• Cobwebs and debris are removed on a regular basis - loose hay and straw are swept and disposed of daily or weekly

In short, preventing fires is a proactive strategy and depends on daily management of your barn by maintaining equipment, managing the cleanliness of the horse barn, and storing straw and hay away from the barn.

Article by Marjory Gaouette