Fire: Any property owner's worst nightmare. For horse owners and stable managers, barn fires can be devastating.
The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) reported almost 1,100 barn fires per year from 2002 to 2005. Those fires caused 2 civilian deaths, 10 civilian injuries, and nearly $32.4 million in property damage notes Jennifer Flynn of the NFPA.
Prevention is the best method to avoid a fire in your barn. After you read this article, spend an hour and do a walk-through around your facility. You'll be surprised by all the hazards you will now see and all the changes you can make-easily and cheaply.
What Causes Barn Fires?
Open flames. Cigarette butts and lighters and are a no-brainer. But posting a "No Smoking" sign is not enough. "Lay down the law," says Stacy Segal, Equine Protection Specialist with the Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org). "There seems to be an unwritten rule that it's okay to smoke in some areas. The obvious rule should be that there is no smoking allowed anywhere in or near the barn. Period."
Appliances and wiring. Heat lamps are the leading cause of barn fires, Jennifer Flynn says. They should never be left unattended and only used when absolutely necessary.
"At this time of year, I cannot stress enough how deadly portable heaters can be when used and left unattended in a barn," says Laurie Loveman, fire prevention specialist and author of the "Fire Safety in Horse Barns" website at www.laurieloveman.com. "Portable heaters in the aisle way are accidents waiting to happen," she adds.
Heating coils used to de-ice water buckets can be just as dangerous. If left unmonitored, the coils heat up enough that they can actually cause water to boil completely out of the bucket. Then the heated coil continues to work, even melting into or through the plastic bucket. Depending on what the bucket is touching, a fire can ignite.
Overloaded or damaged extension cords are also hazards. "Avoid plugging multiple items into one extension cord," Laurie notes. "Limit the length of extension cords, and unplug all appliances every night."
Ideally, all electrical wiring should be surrounded by metal or PVC conduit, which also protects wires from corrosion, birds, and mice. An annual check up with the local fire inspector can identify a problem before it sparks a flame. "Contact the fire department ahead of time," Stacy Segal suggests. "Invite them out to your barn for a tour so they know where you are. They can also give you tips that will help make their job easier in the event of a fire."
Lightning. The Lightning Protection Institute studied the death of 250 horses linked to lightning. The study found that 41% of the horses were not directly struck by lightning, but instead burned to death because the barn they were in was struck by lightning and caught fire. You can see how a well-installed lightning rod is crucial. It will lead a lightning strike into the ground and away from the barn, averting disaster.
