FARM FIRE SAFETY

- Safety Checklist - Flammable Liquids and Gases - Hot Work - Spontaneous Combustion - Refueling - Flammable or Combustable Materials - Accelerants - Ignition Sources - Lightning Protection - Fire Extinguishers - Electrical Systems and Devices - Barn Construction - Housekeeping - Smoking - Farm Machinery - Emergency Generators - Fire Emergency Procedures - More Safety Reminders Print This Page

SAFETY CHECKLIST (Return to Top)

Barn fires are the farm owner's worst nightmare. Most have tragic results whether it is the loss of human life, an animal, valuable equipment or the building structure itself. The majority of all barn fires are the result of carelessness and a lack of fire safety knowledge. Insurance statistics show that the two most common times of the year for barn fires are winter and summer. Winter fires are caused by appliances, rodents chewing through wires or the accumulation of dust and cobwebs on electrical surfaces. Summer fires are often the result of electrical storms or spontaneous combustion of hot hay. Farm owners and managers should take the following precautions to help reduce the incidence of fires.

1. Are all farmstead electrical systems free of corrosion?
   Corroded boxes, conduit or conductors, and damaged insulation increases the risk of electrical system failure and fire or electrocution of personnel or animals. Metallic boxes, conduit, etc., are not allowed in livestock buildings and feed processing areas.

2. Are all electrical panels readily accessible and clearly labeled?
   Avoid storing anything within three feet of any electrical panel. Easy access is needed for maintenance and in emergencies. Every disconnect and circuit breaker must be clearly labeled.

3. Do all electrical cables and conduits enter boxes from the side or bottom?
   Cables and conduits entering from the top allow condensation to drip into electrical contacts. The result is accelerated deterioration and risk of extraneous voltage problems, electrical shorts, or premature equipment failure. Corrosion can make circuit breakers non-function.

4. Is all electrical equipment equipped with a separate grounding conductor?
   The NEC requires a separate grounding conductor (bare copper or copper with green insulation) for all electrical equipment. The grounding conductor must be extended to the service entrance grounding bus. Improper grounding increases the risk of electrocution and extraneous voltage.

5. Are all lighting fixtures of an enclosed, gasketed, watertight and non-corrosive design?
   Incandescent lighting fixtures must have a non-metallic, corrosion resistant boxes and screwed-in-place gasketed globe covers. Fluorescent lights must have gasketed covers. All light fixtures must be designed to be watertight.

6. Is a UL approved lightning protection system in place in all buildings, silos, etc.?
   A properly installed lightning protection system is a good investment on all buildings. Systems must be maintained to assure maximum protection and safety.

7. Are all buildings free of damaged or chewed wiring and conduit?
   Repair all damaged electrical wiring to help assure safe conditions for personnel and animals.

8. Is the use of extension cords kept to a minimum? When an extension cord is needed, is a heavy duty (Type S), grounded cord or equivalent is used?
   Install equipment such as heaters with flexible cord or flexible non-metallic conduit with stranded conductors wired directly into the electrical supply box. Waterproof plugs and receptacles also may be used. Do not use light duty residential style two-conductor extension cords.

9. Are all motors equipped with a properly sized fused disconnect or circuit breaker located within sight of and within ten feet of the motor?
   Properly sized circuit breakers or fused switches are needed to protect the motor circuitry and to provide safety during maintenance procedures. Use dual-element or time delay fuses to carry starting currents.

10. Are all motors of a totally enclosed, farm service duty design, rated for continuous operation?
    The improper use of motors increases the risk of premature motor failure, electrical shock and fire.

11. Do all heat lamps have cords short enough to prevent contact between the heat lamp and floor without first becoming unplugged, are installed in porcelain sockets and are supported by chains?
    Use only porcelain sockets for heat lamps. To reduce risk of fire, make cords short enough to assure heat lamps cannot come in contact with the floor, pen partitions, etc., without first becoming unplugged. This is especially critical in buildings with wood floors or partitions, straw bedding, etc. Never support heat lamps by the electrical cord.

12. Are all propane tanks located at least 25 ft. away from buildings?
    Tanks set too close to buildings increase the risk of propane fumes seeping into the building in the event of a leak and increase the risk of a propane tank explosion in the event of a fire. An explosion will spread the fire and might cause personal injuries. Greater separation distances are required for tanks with capacity in excess of 2,000 gallons.

13. Are all flammable and combustible materials, e.g., gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, paper etc., properly stored in labeled containers away from possible ignition sources.
    Improper storage of flammable materials increases the risk of fire and loss. Sparks from an electrical fault or motor starting can ignite some materials. Combustible materials on the floor around motors and lighting can increase the spread of fire.

FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND GASES (Return to Top)

Gasoline, diesel fuel, LP gas, degreasing solvents, paint solvents, and certain paints are among flammable materials found on most farms.

• Keep these flammable materials away from open flames and motors that spark.
• When transferring flammable materials, bind the containers to each other and ground the one being dispensed from, to prevent sparks from static electricity.
• Clean up spills right away and put oily rags in a tightly covered container.
• Change your clothes immediately if you get oil or solvents on them.
• Watch out for empty containers that held flammable liquids. Vapors might still be present.
• Store flammable liquids in approved containers in well-ventilated areas away from heat and sparks.
• Be sure all containers for flammable liquids are clearly and correctly marked.
• Do not keep gasoline inside the home or transport it in the trunks of automobiles or recreation vehicles. If gasoline must be transported, carry only a small amount in a labeled safety can on the floor of the back seat. Roll down the windows so moving air can sweep away vapors.

HOT WORK (Return to Top)

• Never do cutting or welding work alone. Always have someone on hand to put out a fire before it can get out of hand.
• Watch for molten metal. It can ignite flammables or fall into cracks and start a fire that might not erupt until hours after the work is completed.
• Use portable cutting and welding equipment in clean areas.
• Keep flammables at least 35 feet from hot work area.
• Be sure tanks and other containers that have held flammable liquids are completely neutralized and purged before you do any work on them.

SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION (Return to Top)

Many materials -- vegetable and animal oils, soft coal, vegetable and animal fibers, such as flax, jute and hay -- can, under certain conditions, heat spontaneously.

• Store vegetable and animal oils and paint or linseed-soaked rags in sealed containers in cool, well-ventilated places away from other combustibles.
• Harvest loose or chopped hay at low enough moisture content to prevent molding, a key factor in heat generation.
• Avoid storing wet hay. Check stored hay for warm spots. If hay temperature is noticeably warmer than it was put in, watch it closely. If temperature reaches 175 degrees F, get the hay out or divide it into small, shallow stacks.
• With grass silage, the problem is too little moisture. A fine chop permits the material to be packed more firmly in both trench and upright silos.
• A silo designed to be sealed, should be kept closed, except for loading or unloading.
• Watch for silage danger signs -- heat, release of moisture vapor or steaming, smoke, a charred tobacco smell. If they appear, call your fire department and silo dealer for instructions.

REFUELING (Return to Top)

• When arriving to refuel, turn off engine and extinguish smoking materials.
• Remove fuel cap slowly and allow pressure to dissipate.
• If engine is hot, allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• Avoid over filling. Allow any spilled fuel to evaporate before starting the engine.
• Refuel small equipment outside -- never in an enclosed area. A funnel will make the job easier when using a safety can.

FLAMMABLE OR COMBUSTABLE MATERIALS (Return to Top)

If at all possible, hay, straw and other types of bedding should not be stored in the same building in which livestock is housed. Care should be taken that these materials are not stored with machinery or near any type of electrical or heat source. Flammable materials may include:

• Hay and straw
• Bedding materials
• Cobwebs, dust, and grain dust
• Horse blankets
• Paint
• Fertilizer
• Pesticides and herbicides

ACCELERANTS (Return to Top)

Accelerants are substances that increase the speed at which a fire spreads. Accelerants must be stored in approved containers and properly labeled. Common accelerants include:

• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Oil
• Aerosol cans

IGNITION SOURCES (Return to Top)

An ignition source is something that can cause an accelerant or flammable material to ignite or smolder. Examples of ignition sources are:

• Cigarettes and matches
• Sparks from welding machines and machinery (trucks, tractors, mowers)
• Motors
• Electrical appliances
• Fence chargers
• Electrical fixtures and wires
• Batteries
• Broken glass
• Chemicals which may react with each other or with water or dampness

LIGHTNING PROTECTION (Return to Top)

Buildings should be equipped with professionally installed lightning rods of copper or aluminum.

• The system should be properly grounded.
• All pipes, water systems, electrical systems and telephone lines should also be grounded.
• Contact a professional company for proper maintenance and installation.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS (Return to Top)

• ABC (all class) dry-chemical fire extinguisher should be in all livestock buildings, workshops, garages, or wherever welding is done.
• The extinguisher should be of 5 lb. minimum; 10 lb. is ideal.
• Even if a unit is partially discharged, the extinguisher must be replaced or recharged.
• A fire extinguisher should be hanging at all exterior doorways, in the middle of long aisles, and next to the electrical panel box.
• Signs denoting placement of fire extinguisher should be highly visible.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND DEVICES (Return to Top)

Electrical systems in barns, especially in older structures, are often the cause of a barn fire. The following safety precautions (sometimes beyond local electrical code requirements) should be taken when installing a new system or repair of an older electrical system.

• Avoid areas of excessive moisture for the location of the main electrical panel box.
• Place panel box in the driest, most dust free area as possible. (Stall areas are not recommended; place in tack room or utility room).
• Panel box should be corrosive resistant and weather-proofed even if installed inside a building.
• Outlets and switch boxes should be made of metal and have a dust and water tight spring-loaded covers that close when released.
• Wires should be encased in metal conduit pipe. Even temporary wires should be run through conduit pipe to keep the wires safe from breakage and away from the teeth of horses, livestock, rodents and metal shoes of horses.
• Light fixtures for fluorescent lights should have dust and moisture resistant covers. Incandescent bulbs should have gloves with seals that are dust and moisture proof, surrounded by a globe cage to prevent accidental breakage.

Below is a checklist regarding other electrical concerns in animal facilities.

• Motors - such as the type used for circulation fans, water pumps or hay elevators should have moisture/dust proof on/off switches.
• Motors should not be within 18 inches of any combustible material (hay, bedding). A fire resistant shield should be placed around such material to protect it from any heat given off by a motor.
• Electric fence units can be potential fire hazards, especially if the units are of the continuous current type. Use only UL listed units that are of the solid state transistor-type, with inter-mitten current.
• Any appliances used in the barn should be UL approved and grounded. Appliance with broken, frayed cords or bent plugs should not be used until properly repaired.
• All appliances should be disconnected when not in use.
• Portable heaters should not be used in the barn area. Many of these heaters do not contain safety devices which prevent overheating.
• Do not place portable heaters near livestock where they may be knocked over. Make sure heaters have a shut-off device that activates if the unit is knocked over.
• Improperly utilized heat lamps are a major source of barn fires. They are often placed too close to hay and bedding which may ignite quite easily from the heat.
• Never use extension cords with heat lamps.
• Heat tapes and water tank heaters must have a thermostat and be UL listed. Tapes and tank heaters should be installed and used following manufacturer's instructions.
• Heat tapes and tank heater cords should be adequately protected so that animals (horses, livestock, cats, dogs, rodents) cannot easily chew through them causing electrocution, electrical shocks or a barn fire
• Heat tapes should be protected with a fire retardant insulation material.

BARN CONSTRUCTION (Return to Top)

When constructing a new building in which to house horses and/or livestock, precautions should be taken to reduce the chance of barn fires. Many of these measures are required by local building codes. Always check with local authorities for the requirements and permits necessary in your area.

Many insurance companies will lower premiums if extra safety precautions are taken during the construction of a new building, some of which may be above and beyond the standards required by local codes. Check with your insurance company regarding which features will possibly lower your insurance premiums. Extra measures may include:

• Approved fire doors.
• Fire wall between hay/bedding storage and the actual stabling area.
• Use of materials that are flame retardant or fire resistive.
• Use of fire retardant latex paint - preferably two coats.
• Installation of smoke detectors, fire alarm and sprinkler systems - all of which can be monitored by local fire or police department.
• Trickle-charged battery powered emergency lighting to permit evacuation of people and animals in case of power failure.
• A water source on the premises, especially a pond will help the fire department to save buildings. Remember to have the water source properly fenced to keep unwanted visitors out.

HOUSEKEEPING (Return to Top)

Shops, garages, machine sheds and barns often are cluttered with unnecessary accumulations of items that can add fuel to a fire. Often, these items are located near sources of ignition. Large amounts of unneeded items that will burn, such as papers, clothing and straw, should be kept away from heat. Arrange shops and barns so that flammables are safely away from ignition sources. A little rearranging could reduce fire risk considerably.

SMOKING (Return to Top)

Cigarette or cigar smoking causes many fires in the United States each year. If you smoke:

• Keep plenty of large, deep ashtrays or receptacles handy.
• Obey "No Smoking" signs.
• Avoid smoking in areas where flammable materials are present.
• Never smoke while refueling.
• Do not lay lighted cigarettes on wooden tables or workbenches.
• Make sure matches and tobacco products are extinguished before discarding them.
• Never flick a cigarette butt or knock out a pipe into a wastebasket or trash can.
• Keep matches, lighters and lighter fluids away from small children.
• Smoke with caution when operating farm vehicles and equipment. Equip tractors and combines with ashtrays.

FARM MACHINERY (Return to Top)

Common causes of tractor and machinery fires include defects in the fuel or ignition systems, improper method of refueling, smoking and matches, over-heated engines, sparks from exhaust and friction.

• Refuel with care. Watch for and repair leaks in fuel lines, carburetors, pumps and filters.
• Keep exhaust systems in good condition to avoid sparks.
• Keep engines properly tuned and timed to avoid backfiring.
• Keep machinery properly lubricated to minimize friction.

EMERGENCY GENERATORS (Return to Top)

Hear are some tips for safe emergency generator use.

• Always consult and follow your operator’s manual. All generators operate differently and have safety and maintenance requirements.
• Use only in areas that are well ventilated, away from children and pets, and away from air intakes to the home. Always keep your generator clean and free from dirt and dust.
• Do not install a generator to the main power supply unless you have a special disconnect switch. This switch must be installed by a qualified and licensed electrician.

FIRE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (Return to Top)

When a fire breaks out in a house or a farm building, everyone must be evacuated from the building immediately. Normal exits may be blocked; therefore, it is compulsory that emergency exits exist.. Doors and windows should be closed when escaping a fire, failure to do so may cause air drafts which can fan the fire.

Once everyone is out of the building, call the fire department. Give your name, address, and the exact location of the fire. Have the person you are taking to repeat your information. Never allow anyone to re-enter a burning building.

MORE SAFETY REMINDERS (Return to Top)

• Keep all equipment used for petroleum storage and handling in good condition. Watch for leaks, deterioration or damage. Make needed repairs or replace faulty components immediately. Keep cap vents clean and free, and tank and safety can pressure-relief valves functional.
• When servicing machinery, check the fuel system for leaks. Double check connections to be sure they are secure and leak-free after changing fuel filters or performing other work requiring disconnecting or removing a fuel line or fuel system component.
• Turn off oil heaters before refueling. Make sure the filler cap is replaced and tightened. Set portable heaters away from combustibles where they cannot be tipped over.
• Motor oil and grease are considerably less flammable than engine fuels, but they will burn. Keep them away from ignition sources.
• Store vehicles and machinery in a separate building.
• In buildings, aisles should be raked or swept clean of hay and bedding. Vacuum up cobwebs and dust regularly. Wipe dust/dirt off light fixtures, outlet covers, switches and panel boxes.
• Hay/bedding storage should not be near lights, fans, electrical boxes, heaters or outlets.
• Weeds, twigs, and other trash should be kept mowed or picked up from around the outside of the barn.
• Manure piles should be at least 20 feet away from the barn to reduce the chance of combustion fire.
• Crop dryers should be equipped with adequate controls that will automatically shut off blowers or dampers when temperatures get too high.
• Only burn rubbish in an incinerator equipped with a spark arrestor. The incinerator should be located 100 feet from any major buildings.
• Large LP storage tanks should be at least 50 feet from the nearest building and 20 or more feet from other aboveground fuel tanks. Provide and maintain solid foundations to support LP-gas tanks so they won't settle or tip and break or damage connections.
• Be alert for leaks in the LP-gas system. Protect gauges and regulators from weather and dirt. If you smell gas, turn off valve(s) at the tank(s). Open windows and doors to ventilate the building, and don't switch on/off anything electrical. Get everyone out.

The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.