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Farm fires: How to be prepared

With so many combustible materials stored on farms there is always a risk of fire. Also, with many farms in isolated locations and with potentially poor water supply it’s easy to understand how fires could get out of control. 

The consequences of a fire can be devasting for a farm in terms of injury and the impact on business, so it’s best to be prepared. 

5 ways to be more safety aware

  • Carry out a fire risk assessment

  • Keep escape routes clear at all times and keep all areas free from rubbish 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.

  • Ensure the entrance to your farm is clearly signposted and keep all access routes clear for emergency vehicles.

SMART Safety 2024 newsroom

What to do if there is a fire

  1. Get to a safe place away from the fire.

  2. Call the emergency services.

  3. Stay away from the fire.

  4. Then, when everyone is safe:

  • prepare to move livestock to a safe place in case the fire spreads. 

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

Fogmaker: for a safer harvest

Install the Fogmaker fire suppression system on your machine for a safer harvest. As the heat rises in the summer months, the on-farm fire risk increases. The retrofit Fogmaker responds to rises in temperature, releasing a water-based mist that quickly chokes fire and keeps on cooling to prevent flare ups. Limiting damage to your machines and crops and more importantly potentially saving lives.