Countryside

Every year in the UK some 1,700 farm buildings and 66,000 areas of grassland are destroyed by fire. Half 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 percent 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.

Please take the time to have a read through these tips when dealing with heathland, grass, crop, hay and straw fires.

• Store hay and straw in separate buildings and at least 10 metres apart;
• Store petrol, diesel and other fuels in a secure area;
• Make sure that refuse is disposed of safely and on a regular basis;
• In an emergency evacuate the area, give a landmark to help locate the fire and describe the type of fire;
• Do not leave fertilisers, pesticides or storage tank outlets unlocked;
• Do not attempt to tackle fires.

By following a few simple steps, you can help mitigate the risk of fire on your farm.

Check conditions + consult the Fire Severity Index before planning harvesting activities – This will help you identify the best time of day to start your harvesting to avoid the most extreme weather zones. Also check wind direction and where possible harvest in the direction of the already cut crop and not the unharvested crop. You can view the Fire Severity Index by visiting the Met Office’s website.

Regular maintenance – Ensure that your equipment is clean and maintained before every harvest activity. Regular equipment blowdowns and lubrication schedules can help avoid fires within your equipment.

Help us find you  – Provide an accurate location and description of the entrance of your farm to Thames Valley Fire Control Service and wait for firefighters to arrive. They will then ask you to guide them to the scene of the incident.

Know where your water supplies are – Ensure that any available water supplies on your farm are accessible to fire and rescue crews. If you know where your nearest fire hydrant is, ensure that this is clear and accessible.

Have contingency arrangements in place – Consider using cultivators to put in fire breaks where safe to do so. If you have water bowsers available to extinguish spot fires ensure that they are near and full of water.

Store safe – Where possible avoid storing bales near main roads to deter would-be trespassers and arsonists. Store pesticides and fertilisers securely and remember it’s critical to let us know if these products are involved in a fire due to the specific risks they pose.