Fire Safety on the Farm
Farm fires pose a serious risk to life, property, and the environment, and can have devastating consequences for farming communities.
Fires can spread quickly due to the presence of combustible materials such as hay, fuel, and chemicals, leading to the loss of livestock, crops, buildings, and equipment, as well as long-term financial and environmental impacts.
Understanding these risks and taking preventative action can help protect people, livelihoods, and the rural environment.
Common Causes of Farm Fires
The most common fire risks on farms include:
- Hay and straw fires (including spontaneous combustion)
- Machinery and vehicle faults
- Electrical faults
- Sparks from hot works (e.g. welding and grinding)
- Hazardous materials and fuels
- Human behaviour, including smoking and arson
Many of these risks can be reduced through good housekeeping, proper storage, and regular maintenance.
Preventing Farm Fires
Simple preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of fire:
- Store hay and straw safely, ensuring it is dry and kept away from buildings, fuels, and livestock
- Keep stacks at least 10 metres apart
- Maintain machinery and vehicles, keeping them clean and free from oil, grease, and debris
- Carry out regular electrical safety checks especially in areas where straw or hay is stored. Never leave anything running or switched on unnecessarily.
- Ensure fuels, chemicals, and hazardous are clearly labelled and stored securely well away from other buildings. Make sure you have completed your Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations assessment.
- Only carry out hot work in safe, controlled areas away from flammable materials
- Prohibit smoking near combustible materials and ensure any cigarettes or matches are extinguished properly
Arson Prevention
- Lock sheds and buildings
- Store fuels, chemicals, pesticides and fertilisers securely
- Maintain fencing and gates
- Consider installing and maintaining lighting, alarms and security notices
- Remove hay and straw from fields as soon as possible after harvesting
- Dispose of waste regularly and keep areas tidy
Fire Safety Responsibilities
Fire safety is a legal responsibility for farm owners and managers and should form part of everyday business planning. Fire safety legislation applies to all farm buildings where people work, including packing sheds, milking parlours, barns, holiday lets and farmhouses used for providing bed and breakfast.
A fire risk assessment should be carried out to:
- Identify hazards and people at risk
- Reduce or remove risks where possible
- Implement safety measures such as alarms and escape routes
- Record findings and review regularly
Failure to comply with fire safety laws may lead to prosecution.
Be Prepared
Being prepared can reduce the impact of a fire:
- Keep escape routes clear at all times
- Ensure firefighting equipment is accessible and regularly maintained
- Make sure everyone on site understands emergency procedures
- Keep access routes clear for emergency vehicles
- Use tools such as What3Words to help identify precise locations
- Have plans in place to evacuate livestock safely
What to Do in the Event of a Fire
If a fire occurs:
- Move to a safe place immediately
- Call 999 and provide:
- Exact location (e.g. postcode, grid reference, or What3Words)
- Details of what is on fire and particularly any dangerous substances involved (e.g. diesel, chemicals)
- Information about access routes and water supplies
- Meet and guide emergency services if safe to do so
- Stay away from the fire
Once safe:
- Prepare to move livestock if needed
- Assist emergency services where safe and appropriate
Supporting a Safer Farming Community
By understanding fire risks and taking practical steps to prevent them, farming communities can reduce the likelihood of fires and minimise their impact. A proactive approach supports safety, protects livelihoods, and promotes continuous improvement across the agricultural sector.