Farmers urged to prioritise fire safety by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service

Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) is calling on farmers to prioritise fire safety, in order to protect their businesses and the livelihoods of future generations.

Oliver Everott, ECFRS’s Rural Engagement Officer, has spoken out on issues that Essex farmers need to implement to prevent devastating fires which could destroy their business and endanger lives. A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well managed business.

“Fire safety on farms should not be a mere tick-box exercise. It should be fully valued, understood and integrated into the daily routines of all farm worker,” said Ollie. “In the past year, we have seen some devastating emergencies at Essex farms, most of these were entirely preventable.”

Essex farms fires 2023-2024

From June 2023 - June 2024 – ECFRS responded to 396 incidents at farms in Essex. Including; 

• 44 fires in standing crops
• 52 incidents involving baled crop
• 63 fires involving stubble

Additionally, ECFRS attended 767 wildfires, many of which involved farmland.

Essex is one of the only counties that has a dedicated Rural Engagement Officer. Oliver Everott brings professional fire safety qualifications and has an extensive farming knowledge from his farm management background. This unique combination makes him exceptionally well-equipped to address fire safety challenges specific to farms.

Essex farmers are strongly encouraged to take proactive steps with fire safety by booking a visit from Ollie, completely free of charge. To book a visit contact Ollie, by phone 07500105715 or email oliver.everott@essex-fire.gov.uk.