Barn Fire Prevention

We care about the safety and well-being of you, your family, your employees and your animals. While response to a fire is important, prevention is even better. That is why we continuously work with farmers and industry to develop different ways to plan, monitor and inspect farms to reduce the potential for human and animal life or injuries and/or property loss as a result of barn fires.

Main causes of barn fires

Barn fires can be tragic events for farmers, and the loss of livestock, buildings and equipment can be devastating in many ways. Approximately 40 per cent of all barn fires are caused by faulty electrical systems, which is one of the leading causes of barn fires. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to reducing the risk of a barn fire.

What can you do?

Monitoring and inspecting your buildings and equipment can go a long way in preventing a fire on your farm.

  • Have your buildings inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed electrical contractor.
  • Develop a preventative maintenance and housekeeping schedule to reduce the risks of a fire.
  • Monitor the heat conditions of your barn using infrared technologies.
  • Work with your local fire department and insurance company to identify problem areas on your farm, and fix any problem areas identified.
  • Have a plan ready to deal with any emergency.
  • Ensure you have an adequate number of fire extinguishers, and that they are in good working order.
  • Train your family and employees on what to do if there is a barn fire. Plan what to do about livestock, who to call and establish a safe meeting point.

Barn Fire Prevention: Housekeeping Tips - New

Barn Fire Prevention: Electrical Safety Tips - New

Barn Fire Prevention: Hot Works Safety Tips - New

Resources

These resources can help you determine risk areas in your operation, and provide guidance for reducing the risk of barn fires.

Disclaimer

This web page is intended for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide engineering, legal or other advice. OMAFRA does not guarantee absolute accuracy or sufficiency of subject material, nor can we accept responsibility for health and safety recommendations that may have been omitted. We recommend that you consult with your own professional engineer or lawyer as applicable to determine the best course of action or legal requirements applicable to your farm.


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca