South West farmers warned of the increasing risk of farm fire
Figures from NFU Mutual found numbers increased by 22%
Last updated 15th Nov 2023
West country farm fires increased by 22% last year, according to recent stats from NFU Mutual, costing £10.7 million.
They're warning farmers to be extra vigilant as temperatures rise year on year - reaching a peak of 40°C this summer.
Tinder dry conditions saw a large number of fires, causing damage to crops and buildings but also putting animals and lives in danger.
With the weather set to become more extreme in the future with drier and hotter summers on the horizon, NFU Mutual is urging farmers in the South West to make farm fire prevention plan.
Hannah Binns is the NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist.
“The huge increase in the number of farm fires in 2022 compared to 2021 highlights how important it is for farmers in the South West to prepare for very hot and dry summers in the future," she said.
“For weeks on end last summer, the countryside was so dry that a spark or overheating combine bearing could lead to a fire, engulfing the machine and spreading to the surrounding crops.
“Farm fires put lives at risk as well as causing disruptive and devastating damage to rural businesses, so it is essential farmers have fire plans in place.”
Andy Manson, Head of Risk Management Services at NFU Mutual, added: “With scientists predicting hotter, drier summers, it makes sense to plan ahead for this possibility and put measures in place to help prevent farm fires and make them easier to put out.
“In practice, that means making sure all plant and vehicles are regularly maintained and checked for wear and damage – particularly to electrical parts and wiring.
“It’s also important to have a regularly-revised fire plan covering evacuation procedures for buildings, managing livestock, maintenance and cleaning schedules for machinery and training and inspection procedures for fire alarms and extinguishers.
“For highly vulnerable kit, including combines and balers, rigorous attention to maintenance and cleaning is essential. NFU Mutual also recommends fitting fire suppressors to combines and offers premium discounts to policyholders who fit approved systems.”
To prevent fire, NFU mutual advise farmers to avoid messing with electrics - they are a major cause of farm fires.
Instead, always go to a qualified electrician.
If a fire does break out, call the fire and rescue service immediately and make sure everyone on site is made aware.
Only attempt to fight the fire if it's safe and using the correct extinguishers.