rural fire

Fire safety advice for farms

Who is responsible for fire safety on a farm?

Fire safety legislation applies to all farm buildings where people work. The farm owner or manager is usually the 'Responsible Person' who has the duty to ensure adequate fire safety provisions are in place. Failure to comply with fire safety laws may lead to prosecution.

A fire safety risk assessment must be carried out. This will help you identify the risks that can be removed or reduced, and help you to decide the nature and extent of the fire precautions you need to take.

Top causes of fires

Farm Machinery

Ensure machinery is well maintained and serviced regularly – clean machinery regularly to keep it free from hay, straw, oil and grease. Vehicles – including cars and vans – that are not well maintained are at a higher risk of fire.

Hay Fires

Remove hay and straw from fields as soon as possible after harvesting. Ensure it is dry before storing, to prevent spontaneous combustion – many fires are caused by storing damp or wet hay.

Fires can very easily spread. 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

Hot Works

It only takes one spark landing on dry materials to start a fire. Welding and grinding can pose a high fire risk if carried out in the wrong place. 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.

Electrics

Carry out regular electrical safety checks, especially in areas where straw or hay is stored. Never leave anything running or switched on unnecessarily.

Fuels and Hazardous materials

Ensure any fuels, chemicals and hazardous materials are stored securely and clearly labelled. They should be stored well away from other buildings. Only store what you need.

Make sure you have completed your COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations) assessment. For further information, read the Government's advice around COSHH in agriculture.

Other Causes

Cigarettes and smoking pose a fire risk - make sure you have designated areas for smoking away from combustible materials and ensure cigarettes and matches are extinguished properly. Avoid open fires and barbecues and only allow camping and picnicking in controlled areas.

What to do in the event of a fire

Get to a safe place away from the fire and call 999 with the following details:

  • Full location – ordnance survey grid reference or What3words location if possible
  • What is involved or likely to become involved in the fire i.e. chemicals, hay etc.
  • Information about access to the fire for fire engines
  • If there will be problems accessing water supplies

Stay away from the fire and make yourself known to the fire crew when they arrive.

Then, when everyone is safe:

  • prepare to evacuate livestock should the fire spread
  • prepare to use farm machinery to assist the fire and rescue service to move straw/hay etc.

Living on farms

Fires on farms can also affect the farmhouses and other domestic properties, they can start in any room and the effects can be devastating. Knowing how to reduce the risk of fire in the home can help to keep everyone safe and stop fires spreading to the business side of the farm.

  • Make sure every property has a smoke alarm on every floor of the home
  • Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they are working, test smoke alarms regularly
  • Don’t charge items such as mobile phones, tablets or e-cigarettes overnight
  • Have an escape plan and make sure everyone knows how to get out in the event of a fire

Don't forget we offer free home visits to anyone living in Essex. If you do not have working smoke alarms or have working smoke alarms but would like more information about how to live safely and securely in the home call 0300 303 0088 or visit www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book. 

How to prepare your farm

  • Keep escape routes clear at all times and keep all areas free from rubbish, oily cloths and other combustible materials
  • Make sure everyone at the farm knows what to do in the event of a fire. Carry a mobile phone at all times, especially if working alone
  • Keep firefighting equipment in good working order and ensure it is serviced regularly. Make sure it is always easily accessible and that everyone is aware of where it is located
  • Make sure that the entrance to your farm is clearly signposted and keep all access routes clear for emergency vehicles
  • Download a location app such as What3words app or Ordnance Survey Locate to give a specific location to the emergency services
  • Make sure you have an animal evacuation plan for your livestock in the event of a fire
  • Do not store flammable items near livestock

Preventing arson at your farm

Many farm fires are caused by arson. There are precautions you can take to reduce the risk of these attacks.

 Security

  • Lock sheds and buildings
  • Keep fuels, chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers locked away
  • Repair or replace damaged fencing and gates
  • Display security notices and use security alarms and lighting
  • Use dogs or geese to give early warning of intruders

Storage

Hay and straw should be removed from fields as soon as possible after harvesting.

Hay and straw should be stored:

  • away from other buildings, particularly those housing fuels, agrochemicals and machinery
  • in stacks of reasonable size, spaced at least 10 metres apart
  • separate from livestock housing

Rubbish should be disposed of safely and on a regular basis.

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