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A barn fire is every livestock owner's nightmare. Losing a farm building can be distressing, but losing livestock to a fire is devastating. You can help to prevent barn fires by using proper maintenance, following safe practices and being prepared.

Using the checklist below, you can inspect your barn to see if it is safe from fire risks. Start a "must-do" list with items you haven't checked off during your barn safety walk-through.

First of all

Install a Type ABC (multipurpose) fire extinguisher. ABC fire extinguishers are versatile and can handle fires involving combustibles such as hay, flammable liquids such as fuel and electrical equipment. Install the extinguisher by an exterior door, as you should never run into a burning structure to retrieve an extinguisher.

FIRST OFF: Be sure to install Type ABC fire extinguishers by an exterior door and help employees and family members know how to use them.

Remind everyone on the farm about the PASS acronym for extinguisher use: pull (the pin), aim (at the base of the fire), squeeze (the handle) and sweep (the base of the fire).

Rest of the checklist

Remove combustibles. Keep the barn clear of unnecessary combustible materials, such as excess hay or straw, and store them in a separate, well-ventilated area away from the barn. Consider storing flammable materials such as gasoline, chemicals and oil in a fire-proof cabinet or out of the barn in a separate shed.

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Post smoking policies. Careless smoking is a leading cause of fires. Enforce strict no-smoking policies within and around the barn. Posting signs will remind people about your policy. 

Inspect electrical systems. Another leading cause of barn fires is faulty wiring and overheating equipment. Inspect and maintain all electrical systems. Ensure that wiring is up to code and that cords and electrical equipment are grounded and not frayed or damaged. Add space between electrical equipment, heating sources and combustible materials. 

Install smoke detectors. Install smoke detectors or fire alarms in the barn. Ensure they are regularly tested and maintained. Many systems will send a fire alert directly to your phone. 

Train personnel. Ensure that everyone in or around the barn is trained in fire safety practices and knows how to use fire extinguishers.

Develop a set of emergency procedures. Develop and practice a fire evacuation plan for your barn, home and all additional structures on your property. Knowing in advance what to do in case of a fire can save lives and property. If you store chemicals in a structure, list potentially hazardous materials to make firefighters aware of those hazards. Keep a list of your equipment and livestock; this will assist with insurance claims in case of a loss to fire. 

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Reduce rodent activity. Rodents can cause electrical fires by chewing on wires. Implement pest control measures to minimize rodent problems.

Clean equipment. Regularly clean machinery and equipment to prevent the buildup of flammable debris, such as dust and oil. Dust in the air is a combustible substance, and a spark can cause ignition.

By taking these nine preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire in your barn and improve overall safety for you, your family and employees.

Duysen is a research assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health and is coordinator of the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health.