If you are a livestock owner, a barn fire may be one of your biggest nightmares. You could lose thousands of dollars worth of supplies, feed and equipment and, in the worst-case scenario, your animals. Most fires are preventable and are often the result of carelessness or simply a lack of knowledge.

Barns and other farm buildings are specifically exempt from Ontario Fire Code regulations. However, if you would like some suggested fire safety tips or have a fire prevention question or concern related to a farm, barn or rural properties, don't hesitate to contact Tecumseh Fire Rescue Services.

How to improve fire safety in and around your barn:

• Have working, accessible fire extinguishers
• Clearly post address at each exit and ensure all exits are clear of obstructions
• For horse barns, leave horses haltered or hang halters and leads on stall doors should evacuation be required
• Although not required, consider some form of fire detection system (smoke alarms) to provide early warning of fire
• Where municipal water supply exists, consider installing a sprinkler system
• Update electrical and heating systems
• Regularly check all appliances, wiring, electrical equipment and heat-producing materials and equipment to ensure everything is in safe, working order
• Extension cords should only be used temporarily and should be removed after use
• Install lightning rods
• Situate manure piles at least 10 meters away from barns to reduce the chance of combustion
• Ensure hay and straw are properly dried before storing it in the barn
• Clean cobwebs, loose hay and dust regularly
• Never refuel engines inside a building or while the engine is running or hot
• Enforce a no smoking rule in or around the barn

Barn fire prevention resources:

• Government of Ontario News Release – Ontario Encouraging Fire Safety for Barn Owners
• Office of The Fire Marshal – Farm Fire Safety Checklist (PDF)
• College of Agricultural Sciences, Guelph Ontario – Fire Safety in Horse Stables (PDF)
• Canadian Federation of Humane Societies Website – Barn Fire Prevention
• Horse Council, British Columbia – Barn Safety Checklist (PDF)
• American Red Cross – Frozen Pipes, Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
• Watch this CHCH News story about local barn fires and a program to help prevent barn fires