Fire safety advice issued for farmers amid spike in barn fires
30th June 2023
The Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is reminding farmers about the importance of fire safety following a recent increase in the number of barn fire incidents requiring attendance by its crews.
A previous barn fire attended by MAWWFRS crews.
Every year, an average of 1,600 farm buildings and 85,000 areas of grassland are destroyed by fire in the UK.
The recent spike in the number of barn fires could partly be due to the warm and dry weather conditions during May and June, which have provided farmers with earlier hay-making opportunities.
In an effort to prevent further barn fires, the MAWWFRS is issuing a farm fire safety reminder and advice to members of the farming community:
- Stored bales must not have a moisture content greater than 22%
- Bales that have a moisture content of 22% or higher pose a risk of increasing in heat once stacked, leading to overheating and possible spontaneous combustion
- Baled hay, straw and bracken should have a moisture content of between 18-20%
- before being stacked in storage
- The temperature of bales should be below 35°C before being brought off the field for storage
- Bales with a temperature above 35°C can maintain their own heat generation to a point where spontaneous combustion can occur
- Where possible, stacks should be sited separately, away from other farm buildings, especially livestock buildings. Keep stacks to a reasonable size, well apart and dry. Avoid storing fertilisers, chemicals, gas cylinders, tractors and other machinery in barns containing bales. Ensure that all electrical equipment and wiring is well-maintained
- If bales are smouldering or on fire call 999 immediately
- Signs of bales overheating may include discolouration or browning in some areas, stacks seen to be ‘steaming’ early in the morning or late evening, the presence of a sweet, sickly smell and hay turning to a tobacco-like form.
The Service also has a range of resources available to members of the farming community in need of support or advice. Its Farm liaison officer, Jeremy Turner, works with farmers and landowners to best protect their property and livestock from the threat of fire. He can be contacted with any enquiries on 0800 169 1234 or farmsliaisonofficer@mawwfire.gov.uk.
MAWWFRS also offers free bale temperature and moisture testing for farmers who are concerned about their bales overheating. The Service uses specialist equipment to perform the reading and will work with farmers to formulate a plan for mitigating the risk of spontaneous combustion based on the findings.
To arrange a free visit, call the Service on 01268 909 404. If bales are smouldering or on fire, call 999 immediately.
