Equipment Safety
Prevention practices can help reduce the risk of barn fires

Ontario’s Government for the People unveiled valuable resources to help farmers reduce the risk of barn fires this winter, the time when most barn fires occur.

“As a former volunteer firefighter who has witnessed the devastation caused by barn fires, I am always saddened to hear when we face these kinds of losses on our farms,” said Ernie Hardeman, minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “I highly encourage all farmers to learn more about the resources my ministry provides and to consult with their local fire departments or insurer on farm fire safety planning.”

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs released a series of new videos on ways to prevent barn fires. The videos are part of an ongoing effort with farmers and industry to develop different ways to reduce the potential loss of human and animal lives, injury and property damage from barn fires.

Preparation and planning are also crucial in barn fire prevention:

• Have a contingency plan ready to deal with any emergency
• Develop a preventative maintenance and housekeeping schedule
• Have buildings inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed electrical contractor
• Work with the local fire department and insurance company to identify any problem areas, and fix those problems
• Train family and employees on what to do if there is a barn fire

“Fires in farm buildings are tragic incidents that can result in the unnecessary loss of animals and extensive property damage. These devastating — and preventable — events underscore the need for owners and operators to identify and eliminate potential fire risks in all farm buildings, including barns and stables,” said Ross Nichols, fire marshal and chief, emergency management.

“Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) urges all members to read and access these new resources on barn fire prevention. Assessing fire risk on our farms is critical to the wellbeing of our livestock and our livelihoods,” said Keith Currie, president, OFA.

The Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management (OFMEM) tracks the fire incidents in Ontario, including barns housing livestock. Based on OFMEM data, there are approximately 80 reported fires involving barns housing livestock with an estimated loss of $18.5 million each year. Approximately 40 per cent of all barn fires are caused by faulty electrical systems, which is one of the leading causes of barn fires.

Visit Ontario.capreventfarmfires to learn more about preventing barn fires.