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. Read our guidance on arson reduction.
Some simple precautions can substantially reduce the risk of fire:
If you have any information about a suspicious fire call Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 - your call is free and completely anonymous. You can also report it online on Crimestoppers website.
A simple quick survey around the farm will identify areas where an arsonist could strike. Your survey may reveal the need to
To help reduce the risk of fire hay and straw should be stored:
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 farm land. It is indeed 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.
