Following the recent heatwave, there has been increased concern about the risk of wild fires such as the ones seen in Marlow and Saddleworth Moor. There is always a risk of wild fire on farms, but this risk is increased with high temperatures, a lack of rain and harvest.
Here’s a reminder of what to do if you discover a wild fire and how to prevent one from happening in the first place:
Wildfires
If you discover a wild fire on open land, the emergency services advise that you:
- Get to a safe place as quickly as possible
- Remember that wildfires can move quickly and in unpredictable ways so go further away than you think necessary
- Note your location and call 999 asking for fire and rescue
- Follow instructions from the fire brigade
Reducing the Risk
At harvest, take these steps to reduce the risk of fire occurring:
- Carry out a fire risk assessment and ensure all employees are aware of fire safety protocols
- Check your fire extinguishers are in good working order and ensure that one is fitted to every vehicle during harvest
- Ensure that all machinery is chaff free, serviced and in good condition
- Consider cultivating firebreaks around fields after harvest
- Have a tractor and associated equipment on standby to cut a fire break if necessary
- Keep a full water tank or bowser nearby when harvesting if possible
- Check and maintain open water supplies that could be used for fire fighting on a regular basis
- Remind employees to be extremely careful with cigarettes and matches, particularly while harvesting
Hay and straw
Arson attacks involving haystacks happen every year. You can reduce the risk by implementing these measures:
- Remove hay and straw from fields as soon as possible after harvesting
- Only commence baling when dry
- Store hay and straw separately from other buildings
- Store hay and straws in stacks of reasonable size
- Keep haystacks away from roads and other thoroughfares
- Ensure that stacks remain a safe distance form overhead power cables
