Fire Prevention Measures for Equine Facilities

help reduce the chance of injury to horses if the hay were to catch fire. Also storing the hay in a separate building or shed can help contain a fire to one area if the hay ignites. If you can keep stall bedding materials which are also flammable away from horse housing.
Keep the facilities clean!
Clean up any loose hay on the ground and regularly wipe down stalls and rafters to remove dust and cobwebs which collect dust and other flammable particles. These can all fuel the fire and encourage its spread throughout the building so reduce as much buildup as possible. Electrical fires can also be started from accumulated dust chaff bird nests insect colonies and webs.
Check sockets lights heaters and other electrical items around the barn regularly.
Make sure they are working properly free of dust and cobwebs and not near or lying against anything that could be flammable such as stall bedding or winter blankets. You may want to hire an electrician to ensure everything is functioning properly and up to code.
Do not use portable heaters or dangling heat lamps in your equine facility.
If you must use a portable heaterfor example in a tack roommake sure you follow the manufacturers instructions never leave it unattended clean off dust regularly and place it far from any flammable items. Only use heaters that automatically turn off if tipped over. Units with automatic shutoff timers are also recommended.
Only use stall fans that are rated for agricultural use which can be found at farm supply stores.
The cheaper residential fans you can purchase at home stores do not have sealed motors. Many barn fires start when an unsealed motor on a stall fan fills with dust that ignites. Agricultural fans have an enclosed and sealed motor. Always follow the manufacturers instructions when using fans.
Check

cords regularly.
Any frayed broken or bent cords should not be used until properly repaired. Make sure horses cannot chew or step on any wires or cords around the facility. All appliances should be UL approved.
Store and dispose of combustible materials appropriately.
If possible keep items such gasoline propane and fertilizer in a separate building away from areas where horses will be or hay might be stored. Paint chemicals and aerosol cans are a few other items that might be lying around your facility that could serve as a fire source. Store these properly.
Be Prepared for a Fire to Start
As with any