Prevention Strategies
Keep your barn clean. "Good housekeeping is the most cost-effective prevention strategy a barn owner has," says Stacy. "Establish a cleaning protocol in your barn and make sure that everyone follows it."
Keeping a clean barn includes knocking down cobwebs. You'll also want to rake loose straw and hay from aisle ways and overhead drop bins. Remove flammable gases-like propane for a grill or welding gas-from your barn. In fact, you should never store anything that might ignite or be flammable even near your barn. This list should include engine oil or tractor fuel as well.
Hay and sawdust/wood shavings. If you must, store only dry, cured hay and sawdust in your barn. Damp hay and sawdust can both spontaneously combust. If you experience itchy eyes or notice a "sooty" smell, the pile may be smoldering and must be removed very carefully and immediately.
In a perfect situation, hay should be stored in a location away from the barn. In reality, however, many horse owners don't have this luxury. If you must store hay in your barn, storing it on a level above your stalls is the next best choice. If a fire were to start, heat, smoke, and flames will rise up out of the building, providing extra evacuation time.
Reacting to Fire
Fire drill. Preparation is the best life-saving device you have. Work with your local fire department to outline an evacuation procedure that will take into account several different fire scenarios. Post schematics and written plans near all exits. Practice and discuss escape routes regularly with all barn users.
Call for help. This will be difficult to remember in the fear and panic of the moment, but always call the fire department before evacuating animals. "When you call the fire department, tell them there are live animals in the burning barn," Stacy stresses, "Otherwise they may assume it's only a storage facility."
Keep tools handy. Hang halters and lead ropes at each stall door so they're easy to locate. Equipment, tack, and stored items should be kept out of the aisles, allowing for a clear exit route.
A fire extinguisher can tackle small flames. Know what type of extinguishers you have and have them inspected annually. Purchase an extinguisher designed to work on fires caused by several types of sources so you don't inadvertently fuel the fire if you need to use the extinguisher.
Documentation. While you may not want to face this horrible possibility, you must prepare for the worst-case scenario. Photograph and document each horse and piece of equipment/tack. Store information off site or at your insurance agent's office.
Laurie Loveman emphasizes, "Some of the things we talk about in fire prevention are the ideal, but none of us have the ideal. Even if you build a barn from scratch, there will always be things you wish you had done differently when you finish. We're only human and we make mistakes." But, with attention to detail and a plan in place, you can reduce your chances of a stable fire.
