Fire Prevention Measures for Equine Facilities

disaster preparation is key to protecting yourself your horses and your facility from fire. Preparing for a fire can help you respond quickly and efficiently. It can also reduce losses and save lives. It is important for you as well as others who frequently visit your facility to know the facilitys plan of action in the event of a fire. This will help individuals and even your horses be ready for quick action. Below are some steps for fire preparedness.
Make sure the fire department can find and easily access the facility in the event of an emergency.
You may need to direct riders and boarders to park in specified locations to avoid blocking access. It is wise to save a pin of your facility using a navigation application on your cell phone. This pin should have the geographical information including longitude and latitude of the buildings on the facility. Posting explicit driving directions for responding fire vehicles throughout the facility not just in one location is beneficial if you are not present when the fire starts.
Create an evacuation planroute and practice it.
Include the horses when you practice! When making the plan think about how you will get the horses out and where you will take them in the event of a fire. Consider gates panels and other materials that could be used to help herd the horses and keep them contained and off any roadways. Try to find a location that is secure and away from building structures such as a secure field away from the stables.
Practice hooking up a horse trailer and loading and unloading your horses.
In the event of a fire the horses may need to be relocated. It is important that the horses are familiar with trailer loading and willing to load easily. This will help you get

them out of harms way quickly.
Train and desensitize your horses to having items blankets shirts etc. placed on or over their bodies and faces.
Horses may need to have things placed over their bodies to protect them from flames while being moved to a new location.
Keep halters and lead ropes on stall doors so they can be easily found and accessed if the horses need to be moved.
Halter break your horses so they are more willing to be haltered and led.
Keep barn aisleways clear.
It is important that exit paths are unobstructed so they can be used in the event of an
emergency.
Write down emergency contact numbers and post them throughout the facility.
Phone numbers for veterinarians facility managers and local emergency services should be listed. Keep a spare list in all other buildings in case the barn list gets destroyed.
Have water and fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations throughout the facility.
Fire extinguishers in barns should be ABC allclass type and inspected annually. Know where all power mains are located and how to turn off the power if needed.
Building for Prevention
If you have not begun construction consider fire safety when you are designing and building your new equine facility. There are many ways you can build the facility to be fire resistant and accommodating for emergency response. Things to consider include
Separating buildings particularly areas where hay bedding farm equipment and fuel are stored
Making sure all selected fans and light fixtures are designed for agricultural use
Using building materials that are fire retardant or resistant e g. masonry treated wood
Ensuring emergency vehicle access
Installing hydrants and other water sources that are easily accessible
Installing fire detection and suppression systems designed for agricultural facilities i e. sprinklers
It is best to seek out professional assistance from fire engineers when considering fire safety at your new facility and always check local fire code regulations. Hiring a certified electrician may also be helpful.
Conclusion
Fires at our equine facilities can be extremely destructive but with strategic management and preparation you can reduce the chances of a fire starting and enhance your ability to respond in the event of a disaster. Think through what items might serve as fuel or an ignition source at your facility and do your best to reduce the likelihood of these items starting a fire. Additionally plan for and practice how you will respond if there is a fire!