Barn Fires

Owning and operating any kind of farm is a tough job. The last thing you need is a fire. Whether its a fully engulfed barn an indoor arena inferno or a tractor that got way too hot and decided to take the drive shed with it a fire is usually considered the worst possible thing that can happen. Ask any equine property owneroperator who has had a fire and theyll tell you that there is a lot more at stake than the barn. 
How Why Did the Fire Start?
When discussing any sort of fire the first question asked is How did it start? Some may consider this to be semantics because the how is always the same there was an unfortunate combination of oxygen heat and fuel. While that question is not exactly helpful its answer is important.

WHY did the fire start? is the question that really needs to be asked. Because this question takes us back to the first answer and which of those three elements should have been prevented lets look at some of the most common ways those elements come into play.
Fuel Something has to ignite and feed the fire. Barns are perfect habitats as hay straw dust and cobwebs make prime fuel candidates. Oily rags crops grass and wood are also common elements that can be ignited and continue to feed a fire. 
Heat Common heat sources for farmrelated fires are hay and straw spontaneous combustion heating systems everything from heat lamps to radiant tube heaters hot equipment vehicles large equipment and welding tools and electrical components such as wiring and fuse panels. Exposure to lightning cigarettes and outdoor fires easily increase the risk of a structure fire.
Oxygen The nature of farm buildings is that they were designed for the most part to allow ventilation and air circulation. While that is great for barn occupants it certainly doesnt help when it comes to preventing or extinguishing a fire. Often installed fire separation walls are compromised with the installation of wiring plumbing and other utility systems.
How To Stop Fire Before It Starts
As financial circumstances vary widely throughout the equine community here are some fire safety tips categorized by affordability
Lower Cost
Installation of fire extinguishers.
Maintenance schedule that includes checking wiring clearing dust and cobwebs looking for signs of corrosion etc.
Development and implementation of a fire safety plan for your facilities with the help of your local fire department.
Development and