The fire that destroyed a barn and claimed the lives of 92 veal calves here in August is still fresh in Fire Chief Rick Richardson’s mind.
On average, Mapleton Fire Rescue is called out to one barn fire a year in Mapleton, plus an additional call for neighbouring townships, said Richardson.
While they do not happen often in Wellington County, barn fires are devastating when they do happen, leading to losses that could be upwards of a million dollars, he said.
Richardson would like farmers to focus on stopping fires before they start, and being prepared if they do, as fire prevention week (Oct. 4 to 10) approaches.
Barn fires typically occur in bank barns, which are built into a slope and house hay on the top floor, said Richardson.
Fire can be caused by a number of factors, including electrical failure or spontaneous combustion.
“Two things we speculate that cause (fires) … hay being put in too wet or … poor wiring,” said Richardson.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) identified that decay of electrical equipment, which can happen in less than five years, increases the threat of fires inside livestock barns.
Richardson added that improperly installed heat lamps, misused extension chords and dirty fans used for circulation can be causes of barn fire.
While barn fires are usually devastating to the property, Richardson says there is a lot farmers can do to prevent a tragedy. Richardson suggests having an electrician go through the electrical systems at the barn, having extinguishers within 50 feet, and reducing the amount of loose straw.
Fire Prevention Canada also suggests:
– install smoke alarms in all principal buildings;
– keep cistern and stock ponds relatively full and provide clear access to water source;
– ensure all electrical wiring is inspected and up to code;
– refuel equipment and internal combustion engines outside, but never while running and only once cool;
– designate safe smoking areas away from barns, crops, storage or flammable materials;
– burn rubbish in an incinerator equipped with a spark arrestor and never in a high wind;
– do not use fumigants near an open flame or electric equipment; and
– clean up; remove all trash from the property.
Richardson said spontaneous combustion is also a significant cause of barn fires.
“A lot of our fires occur because of hay. Once the hay gets on fire, even a spark, once a few bales get on … there’s no saving it,” he said.
Fire Prevention Canada recommends farmers provide proper ventilation for storage, ensure crops are well-dried and properly cured, check for spontaneous heating hazards regularly and have fire fighting equipment immediately accessible during storage.
Richardson added farmers can request the fire prevention officer from Mapleton Township take a look at the property
“They’ll arrange for us to go out and take a look to see if any hazards are there that they could maybe correct,” he said, adding farmers should constantly check for hazards.
