Fire safety requirements for farming and land

Every year fire destroys thousands of acres of crops, buildings, countryside and wildlife habitat. Some fires are started deliberately, but some are due to carelessness. Fires can also start by machinery striking flints and stones during the normal course of harvesting. 

A serious fire on a farm can affect the financial stability of even the most well-run business. 40% of businesses that suffer arson attacks never trade successfully again. 

Farms are particularly vulnerable to arson. Their isolated location, open boundaries, readily ignitable hay and straw stacks make them an easy target. Visit Arson reduction for more information.

Some simple precautions can substantially reduce the risk of fire: 

• Hay and straw should be removed from fields as soon as possible after harvesting 
• Beware of dropping lit cigarettes  
• Do not leave glass bottles lying around in grass or woodland. These can cause fires of huge proportions during the warm dry weather as a result of the sun's rays being concentrated and focused by the glass

Report any concerns regarding crime or potential arson 

If you have any information about a suspicious fire call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 - your call is free and completely anonymous. Contact Crimestoppers

Safe working with bales in agriculture 

This guidance is for people involved with the handling and stacking of round and square bales. It does not address the safety risks associated with the use of machinery used to produce bales.

• Bales and bale handling - HSE 
• Safe working with bales in agriculture - HSE 

Preventing fires in grassland and crops 

The danger of fire during hot weather is self-evident, however, many fires occur in the spring and later summer due to carelessness by people passing by or even trespassing on farmland.  

It is difficult to maintain secure boundaries when your land meets public roads and paths etc. but there are a number of things that you can do to reduce the spread of fire on your land should a fire start. This also becomes important when harvesting near buildings or expensive farm machinery. 

• Keep farm machinery chaff free, serviced and in good condition 
• Try and have a tractor with machinery free, to cut a fire break should the need arise 
• Have a full water bowser or tank in close proximity when harvesting 
• Regularly check and maintain open water supplies for firefighting 
• Remind farm workers of their need to be careful with cigarettes and matches while harvesting