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Prevent\
Barn Fires with
These 3 Steps+
In recent years, fires tore 1. Identify hazards
through Ontario barns with
devastating consequences: Begin with a walkthrough. Have an electrician and a representative from your
local fire department beside you to help spot potential fire sources and ensure that
1. Puslinch, 43 racehorses equipment is up to code and being used properly. Some potential fire-starters:
dead, $4.6 million in
damages • extension cords used as permanent used near combustible materials or
2. Mount Forest, 12 horses, wiring, which can become frayed or gases
$400,000 in damages
damaged, leading to short circuits • faulty equipment, including heating,
3. St. Thomas, 85 cows,
$1.5 in damages • bare bulbs suspended from the lighting, process, and electrical
4. Parkhill, 2100 pigs, ceiling, which if damaged, can spark • debris in aisles, stalls, or near exits
$1.1 million in damages
a flammable object • smoking in the barn
• welders, cutting torches or grinders
The financial toll of these ca- 2. Minimize the risk
tastrophes is evident. The
emotional aftermath, while Follow the steps recommended by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and
less visible, will linger for
quite some time. One thing Rural Affairs. These include:
is certain, preventing barn
fires must be a priority for • encasing all electrical wire in non- • ensure the work area around welders,
farm operators. Take the
time to review the three ways corrosive conduit, and all light cutting torches or grinders is free from
you can reduce the risk and
consequences of barn fires. fixtures in a glass globe and wire cage combustible materials, contains fire
• keep only a day’s worth of hay/feed in extinguishers, and is well ventilated
the barn • use non-combustible sheeting
• use hardwired smoke detectors around heat lamps
connected to your home or another • install a sprinkler system inside the
central location barn
• install 5 or 10 lb ABC fire extinguishers • post no-smoking signs
at each exit and train everyone in
their use
3. Prepare for emergencies
For free online resources Start by developing an emergency response plan that includes raising the alarm,
relating to barn fires, visit: using fire extinguishers, rescuing animals, and dealing with emergency responders.
Then ensure you:
LP.WSPS.CA/Barn-Fires-O2
• train everyone in your emergency
The Project is funded by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture, Food and plan, post it, and hold drills once a • identify all water sources on your
Rural Affairs. The views expressed
in this publication are the views of month property
WSPS and do not necessarily reflect
those of the province. • provide a copy to your local fire • have a backup generator (stored away
department from barn) to provide emergency
• make sure your address can be clearly lighting
seen from the road • review your emergency procedures
• ensure your road and driveway with your local fire department rep
can accommodate fire department
vehicles
WSPS consultants are on hand to help you identify hazards, develop
prevention steps, and help with emergency planning.
Contact Customer Care to speak with a consultant. CONNECT
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) customercare@wsps.ca WITH US
WSPS.CA
