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Days in Horse Country – Fire Prevention
One of the most tragic events that could happen to a horse
owner is a barn fire. Barn fires have
killed many horses, from famous racehorses to treasured pets.
Barns are particularly susceptible to fire because of the many flammable items kept in their vicinity. Hay, straw, and bedding ignite easily, and horse blankets and other tack go up quickly when fire starts.
You can do a lot to prevent a fire in your barn by following these guidelines.
- No smoking – Hang a “No Smoking” sign on your barn door and enforce this policy. Cigarettes, cigars, and pipes have no business in a bar, and the same goes for any open flame.
- Wire to code – Make sure the electrical wiring in your barn is up to code. Although upgrading the wiring in an old barn can be costly, it is well worth it for safety reasons.
- Store manure outdoors – Piles of manure generate their own heat and can burst into flames. Manure kept indoors is a serious hazard for this reason. Many barn fires have started from stored manure.
- Avoid heating elements – Using heating elements, such as a portable space heater or a plug-in bucket warmer, in a barn is asking for trouble. Fires often start from sparks from heating elements. If you need a heater in your barn, install a central heating system.
- Install smoke detectors – Most barn fires smolder for a long period of time before they are noticed. A smoke detector will alert you if something is amiss before it is too late.
- No flammable liquids – Don’t store flammable liquids like gasoline or alcohol anywhere in your barn.
- Install a sprinkler system – If you can afford it, install an overhead sprinkler system that will be triggered should a fire break out.
- Keep a fire extinguisher handy – In the event of a fire, a fire extinguisher can save lives. Make sure an extinguisher is stored in plain sight.
- Provide a water source – Keep a working garden hose near the barn. It may prove invaluable in the event of a fire.
Should a fire break out in your barn, remove the horses as quickly and calmly as you can while someone else calls the fire department. Once the horses are out of the barn, close the door behind you. The old adage is true: Horses will often run back into a burning barn because the barn is their place of security and will be the first place they go to if they get scared.
Michael