South West farmers warned of increasing risk of farm fires
Figures from NFU Mutual found numbers increased by 22% in 2022
South West farm fires increased by 22% last year, according to new figures from NFU Mutual - costing £10.6 million.
They're warning farmers to be extra vigilant as temperatures rise year on year - reaching a peak of 40°C this summer.
Tinder dry conditions saw a large number of fires, causing damage to crops and buildings but also putting animals and lives in danger.
With the weather set to become more extreme in the future with drier and hotter summers on the horizon, NFU Mutual is urging farmers in the South West to make farm fire prevention plan.
Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist, said: "The huge increase in the number of farm fires in 2022 compared to 2021 highlights how important it is for farmers in the South West to prepare for very hot and dry summers in the future," she said.
"For weeks on end last summer, the countryside was so dry that a spark or overheating combine bearing could lead to a fire, engulfing the machine and spreading to the surrounding crops.
"Farm fires put lives at risk as well as causing disruptive and devastating damage to rural businesses, so it is essential farmers have fire plans in place."
Andy Manson, Head of Risk Management Services at NFU Mutual, added: "With scientists predicting hotter, drier summers, it makes sense to plan ahead for this possibility and put measures in place to help prevent farm fires and make them easier to put out.
"In practice, that means making sure all plant and vehicles are regularly maintained and checked for wear and damage – particularly to electrical parts and wiring.
"It’s also important to have a regularly-revised fire plan covering evacuation procedures for buildings, managing livestock, maintenance and cleaning schedules for machinery and training and inspection procedures for fire alarms and extinguishers.
"For highly vulnerable kit, including combines and balers, rigorous attention to maintenance and cleaning is essential. NFU Mutual also recommends fitting fire suppressors to combines and offers premium discounts to policyholders who fit approved systems."
NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Farm Fire Safety Guide:
- Have a plan in place – Put people at the heart of your fire plan and ensure everyone on site knows what to do in the event of a fire. The biggest priority in the event of a fire is to evacuate everyone safely, including people working in or living around the premises, taking special care to assist any vulnerable persons
- Don’t mess with electrics - Electrical faults are a major cause of farm fires and electric shocks can cause death or severe injury. Don’t try and attempt electrical work yourself and always use a qualified and competent electrician for work and inspections. DIY modifications, poor environmental conditions (such as wet, damp or acidic atmospheres), rodents, overloaded sockets and simple wear and tear are common causes of electrical fires on farms
- Suppress the risk – Suppression systems are a major game changer for the industry and play a critical role in detecting, containing and extinguishing fire. Whether you have a biomass boiler or a combine harvester, when working in hot, dry conditions, fire suppression systems can save lives and property
- Keep on top of your housekeeping – Good housekeeping is absolutely essential to ensure materials and machinery are stored correctly and to eliminate dust and debris. The build-up of waste and materials not only adds to the fuel that can burn in a fire, but can block escape routes and cause trip hazards in an emergency
- Control hot work – Welding, cutting or grinding equipment, along with blow lamps and blow torches can produce sparks which can turn into fires if they hit a combustible material. If work can’t be done outside, ensure you are in a clear, open area and far away from combustible materials (including combustible building structures). Anyone carrying out hot works on your farm should be subject to a strict ‘Permit to Work’ system