Fire Education and Prevention

A barn fire is a farmer's worst nightmare and often, it brings significant emotional and economic damage. There are many steps that can be taken to establish a good fire prevention plan and reduce the risk of fire on farm properties. Barn fires are largely preventable and the Ontario Fire Marshall's Office has published a list of good fire safety practices.

• Start with a Plan: Contact the Fire Department to find out how to effectively prevent fire on your farm. The Fire Department will point out potential fire hazard, access routes, and water supply. Use this information to develop a plan for your farm.
• Absolutely No Smoking: There should be no smoking permitted in any barn or farm buildings at any time.
• Practice Good Housekeeping: Keeping a clean, organized barn is an excellent way to prevent fires from occurring. Loose hay and straw should be swept up.
• Provide Adequate Ventilation: Chemical reactions, found in baled, damp hay, can be a cause for barn fires. Mows of tightly packed bales do not allow this build-up of heat to dissipate. This could cause a smoldering fire or spontaneous combust.
• Practice Electrical Safety: 'Electrical malfunctions' are a leading cause of fires. Wires should be enclosed in metal or PVC conduit (pipe) to protect them from exposure to weather, animals, and from mechanical damage from machinery and equipment.
• Keep the barn free of Brush and Debris: Clear the immediate areas surrounding all barns and farm buildings by removing brush, debris and machinery. Remove weeds and trim/prune under trees and bushes.
• Refuel Equipment Safely: Refueling tractors and machinery should be done well away from buildings: so flammable vapours can dissipate. Make sure engines or motors are turned off and cool before refueling.
• Install and Maintain Portable Fire Extinguishers: Install fire extinguishers in your barn, tool shed and other farm buildings. Make sure that family members and farm employees know where the extinguishers are located and how to use them. Inspect your extinguishers regularly and recharge when necessary.
• Spread the Word: Visit neighbouring farms and share what you know. Ask other farmers what kind of fire safety measures they have taken and participate in the exchange of information and ideas. Ensure your neighbours know your farm's municipal address and vice versa - it could be their call that saves your farm!

Each farm is unique, which means each farm should have a unique farm fire safety plan. We've made it quick and easy for farm owners/operators to qualify for a custom-made fire safety plan for their farm. To book an inspection contact the Fire Department. From there, we'll work with you, your family, employees and the property itself to create a farm fire safety plan. For more information on Farm Fire Safety, visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs website.

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire department arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely. For fire extinguisher safety tips, visit the National Fire Protection Association.

Make sure you have a fire extinguisher that is in good working order and that you know how to use it. Bring your extinguisher to a fire station open house to have it inspected.

Fire Fighters are also available to come and speak to your business, organization or group and demonstrate the correct way of using an extinguisher.