Fire safety on the farm

Practical ways to reduce the risk of fires on farm which can devastate lives, property and livestock

A blue tractor driving down a road lined with trees and bushes

Fires are an ever-present risk on farms but the good news is that many of these fires can be prevented with careful management.

By following the advice below – much of which has been developed by the National Farmers' Union – you can help to reduce the risk of fires which can cause serious injuries or death, as well as destroying property and livestock.

Secure flammable substances

Ensure flammable substances are securely stored away from public. This can include fuel stores, fertilisers, hay and straw bales and chemicals.

In particular, bales can be a target for arson; try to keep them away from any areas of public access. If this is not possible, put in measures to prohibit public access to the bales, such as fencing.

 

Information sourced from the National Farmers' Union

Have a fire emergency procedure plan

It is a legal requirement to complete a fire emergency procedure plan and keep it in a clearly marked place in the event of an emergency.

This must include details of the responsible person(s) on the farm, muster points, evacuation routes for people and livestock, locations of flammable substances and potential sources of ignition, and locations of fire extinguishers and water sources. Information and training must be provided to all farm workers on the emergency procedures and correct use of fire extinguishers.

 

Information sourced from the National Farmers' Union

Use separate storage units

Keep flammable substances and sources of ignition in separate storage units, and at least 10 metres away from livestock. Lithium powered equipment and machines should also be taken into consideration, as these can be self-igniting.

 

Information sourced from the National Farmers' Union

Check electrical equipment

Ensure electrical systems and equipment are fit for purpose and in appropriate working order, and do not pose a fire risk. Regular inspections of electrical equipment and installations will help to identify issues. Replace or repair faulty equipment immediately to prevent fire risks.

 

Information sourced from the National Farmers' Union

Make use of local resources

Discuss with the local fire service about the prevention and emergency measures in place, to ensure they are suitable and practical. Local WhatsApp groups can be useful in notifying of incidents of arson in the area, to allow other farmers to manage the risk appropriately.

 

Information sourced from the National Farmers' Union

Harvesting during periods of wildfire risk

The purpose of this best practice advice is to reduce the risk of wildfire ignition and spread during harvesting operations in high fire risk periods.

A tractor in a field during harvesting

When to act 

Implement these measures in hot, dry, windy conditions when the risk of ignition and rapid spread of fire is high.

Start harvesting from the downwind edge

Starting from the downwind edge ensures that any fire caused by machinery spreads into already harvested areas and not standing crops.

  • Determine wind direction before harvesting
  • Work into the wind to reduce risk of fire spread

Harvest headlands first

Clearing a perimeter swathe around the field before moving into the centre can slow fire spread. 
Benefits:

  • Slows fire spread
  • Improves access for emergency vehicles
  • Helps form a containment line

Plough or disc behind the harvester

On very dry and windy days, consider using a tractor and plough or disc cultivator to follow the harvester around the headland to create a bare-earth firebreak.

  • Do this immediately after harvesting outer edges
  • Creates a physical barrier to fire spread

Keep fire suppression equipment on site

Equip harvest teams with:

  • A tractor with water bowser
  • At least one fire extinguisher on each machine
  • Radio or mobile phone for emergency communications

Check and clean machinery daily

  • Remove crop dust and straw build-up from engines and bearings
  • Check for hot spots or faulty wiring
  • Avoid metal-to-stone contact where possible

Work in teams where possible

  • Have a second operator with a plough, disc, or bowser on standby where possible
  • Rotate tasks and maintain constant lookout for smoke or heat

Communicate with neighbours and responders

  • Inform nearby landowners when harvesting in high-risk areas
  • Know how to report fire quickly, call 999 and ask for the fire service
  • Use GPS location apps such as what3words to help firefighters locate field entrances

Summary checklist

  • Harvest starts from downwind side
  • Headlands harvested first
  • Plough follows combine on headland
  • Fire suppression tools on site
  • Machinery inspected & cleaned
  • Team briefed and contactable