These web pages provide a guide about safeguarding your business against the risk of arson. Use the various links to navigate to the relevant sections for further information.
Safe Business: Countryside and Farm Fires Fire Safety Guidance
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.
Remember- report all incidents of fire and anyone acting suspiciously to your local police.
If fire breaks out...
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
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:
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. Or visit the Community Safety Section section for more guidance.
-
The crime prevention department of Thames Valley Police.
Take Positive Action
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.
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.
