Help us to stop your business from becoming an arson statistic.

Every year in the UK some 1700 farm buildings and 66000 areas of grassland are destroyed by fire. Fifty per cent of these fires are started deliberately, either as an act of mindless vandalism or as a fraudulent insurance claim.

Serious farm fires can affect the financial stability of even the most well run business, and 40% of businesses that suffer arson attacks never trade successfully again.

Farms are particularly vulnerable to arson, their isolated location, open boundaries, readily ignitable hay and straw make them an easy target. Whilst arson attacks on farms and small holdings may be difficult to eliminate, a number of simple precautions can substantially reduce the risk of attack.

Take a look at the following sections to discover a range of advice and guidance:

• Hay and Straw Fires
• Determining Your Risk
• Grassland and Crop Fires
• Reporting Incidents
• Emergency Advice

A lighted cigarette butt carelessly thrown from a passing vehicle can mean the loss of whole fields of standing crops.

Whilst glass bottles left abandoned in grass or woodlands can cause fires of huge proportions during the warm dry weather as a result of the sun’s rays being concentrated and focused by the glass.

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

To help reduce the risk hay and straw should be stored:

• Separate 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.
• Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas; storage tank outlets should be padlocked.
• Fertilisers and pesticides should be kept under lock and key.
• Refuse should be disposed of safely and on a regular basis.

A simple quick survey around the farm will identify areas where an arsonist could strike, ask the local crime prevention officer or your insurance advisor for their assistance and guidance.

Your survey may reveal the need to:

• Provide, repair or replace damaged fencing or gates.
• Install intruder sensors and security lighting .
• Maintain the security of outbuildings .
• Replace or re-site security and warning notices.
• Maintain firefighting equipment and check that it is in good order.
• Dogs and geese can give effective early warning of intruders, however guard dogs must not be allowed to roam freely.
• Prepare a fire routine and action plan, make sure all farm workers know what to do.

The danger of fire during hot weather is self evident, however, many fires occur in the spring and late summer, usually due to carelessness.

How to help prevent fires in grassland and standing crops:

• Don’t allow the lighting of open fires or barbecues.
• Ensure cigarettes etc, are extinguished carefully.
• Only allow camping and picnicking in monitored areas.
• Provide litter receptacles for bottles and other rubbish. Empty them regularly.
• Ask parents to supervise their children.
• Regularly check and maintain open water supplies for firefighting.
• Ensure “Fire Danger” warning signs are in place.

Please follow these guidelines...
Please assist the Service by following the guidance below.

• Please stay out of areas of fire, as the Fire Service directs
• If you see a fire contact Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service immediately - Dial 999
• Don't attempt to tackle fires
• Evacuate the area as soon as possible, notifying others as you leave
• Give a landmark to help locate the fire; give a map reference if possible
• Estimate the size of the area that's burning
• Describe the type of terrain (grass, bracken, forest)

How do heath and woodland fires start?
Many such fires are caused by carelessness of people using the area or, on occasions, by deliberate setting of fire.

• Do not discard cigarettes in the countryside; dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished
• Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to avoid them magnifying the sun and starting a fire
• Avoid use of naked flames and only light fires or barbecues in designated areas
• Don't leave bonfires or barbecues unattended and extinguish them properly
• Talk to young people about the dangers of playing with and lighting fires
• Report any information about illegal fire setting activities and those responsible (anonymously) to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111

Heath fires are at their most devastating during periods when the grass, undergrowth and peaty soils are particularly dry. Fire can travel through undergrowth at astounding speed.

Sudden changes in wind direction can cause fires to spread in unexpected directions, fire may also spread in the forest canopy before coming down.

Consequences of uncontrolled fires
Uncontrolled fires threaten lives of fire fighters and the community.

The presence of too much smoke can result in:

• smoke inhalation resulting in hospitalisation
• disorientation and reduced visibility impeding your ability to escape
• evacuation of houses and property
• traffic difficulties, road and school closures

If the fire is deliberately set, the offence is serious and could result in a criminal conviction

• Fires can threaten wildlife and many areas of beauty across the county
• Many animals are unable to escape from the fire and will be burnt
• Birds can fly away but the nests and eggs that left behind are destroyed
• Heath and woodland plants and their environment can be destroyed permanentl

Fire fighting resources come under pressure and increase the risks to people and property elsewhere.

For further fire safety information and downloadable PDF resources click here.

Remember- report all incidents of fire and anyone acting suspiciously to your local police.

If fire breaks out...

• Call the Fire and Rescue Service without delay.
• Only attempt to fight the fire if it is safe to do so.
• Send someone to the farm entrance to direct the Fire and Rescue Service to the fire.
• Prepare to evacuate livestock should the fire spread.
• Prepare to use farm machinery to assist the Fire and Rescue Service.

Further information and safety advice is available from these sources:


The Arson Prevention Bureau which has been set up by the Home Office and the Association of British Insurers to spearhead a national programme of action against arson.

The Arson Control Forum provides information to the public and agencies on arson reduction, presents a forum platform, plus links and sources of data.

Additional help and advice on protection of your premises is available from:

• Your insurer.
• Our Community Fire Safety Department. Our RBFRS Helpline is available on: (0118) 932 2152. Or visit the Community Safety Section section for more guidance.
• The crime prevention department of Thames Valley Police.
  
  

In case of fire... call 999

Get Out !
Dial 999
Get the Fire Brigade Out
Stay Out!

If you have any information about a suspicious fire call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, your call is free and completely anonymous. Visit the Crimestoppers website for further information.