Every year in the UK 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 a fraudulent insurance claim.
A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well run business. Forty per
cent 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. A lighted cigarette
butt thrown from a passing vehicle can mean the loss of whole fields of standing crops, whilst glass bottles left
lying around 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.
Assessing The Risk
A simple quick survey around the farm will identify areas where an arsonist could strike, ask the local crime
prevention officer/your insurance adviser for their assistance.
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.
Preventing fires in grassland and standing crops
The danger of fire during hot weather is self evident, however, many fires occur in the spring and late summer,
usually due to carelessness.
- 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.
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.
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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.
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
- The crime prevention department of Thames Valley Police.
In case of fire... call 999
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.
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