Horse Barn Fires Can Be Prevented

Horse barn fires can spread very fast. Barns tend to be open, airy and filled with combustible materials so they burn easily and quickly.

Plan: Call your local fire department and ask them for any suggestions.

Think about how you might get a fire truck onto your property. The trucks will need turn around space and supportive ground, year round.

How accessible is your barn after dark? Have a clear map of the barn and property posted at a location well away from the barn.

Have a spot to secure your horses in the event of fire. Put this location on the barn map.

Where is you best water source? If you have a swimming pool or pond, that is your first water source. Mark it on the map, too.

Add lightning rods to your barn.

If possible, make sure all exterior doors open "out." When people panic they usually don't have the presence of mind to pull in on a door.

Place fire extinguishers at each entrance, in the feed and tack rooms. Make sure they're charged and you know how to use them! They should be protected from freezing.

When using a fire extinguisher, remember PASS:

Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.

Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames. This is important. In order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.

Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent in the extinguisher. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.

Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out. Operate the extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and then move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher. Remember: Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames!

Install smoke alarms that can be heard inside your home.

Prepare: Develop an evacuation plan. Have adequate holding pens or an area where horses can be properly confined when removed during a horse barn fire. Loose horses are dangerous and may charge back into a burning barn.

Train your horses to deal with noise and bright flashing lights.

Leave horses haltered in their stalls or keep their halters and lead shanks hanging on stall doors so they are easily accessible in an emergency.

Prevent: Faulty electrical wiring and connections are one of the leading causes of barn fires. If you're unsure when or if your electric was inspected, have a qualified electrician check the wiring.

Are the service boxes in a dry, dust free location and mounted on fire resistant materials? Are the electrical fixtures free of dust, dirt, cob webs, chaff, hay or combustible materials? Keep electrical appliances clean and dust free.

Never use extension cords or multiple plug strips in the barn. If extension cords must be used, buy industrial grade ones.

Disconnect all electrical appliances when not in use. Cage all electric light fixtures to prevent damage and put all electrical wires in metal conduit pipes to prevent chewing.

Keep your barn clean and free of dust, cobwebs, trash, oily tack cleaning rags, soiled paper towels and other easily ignited fire hazards.

Do not allow smoking in your barn.

Flammables such as gas and oil should be stored in a separate location.

Coat the wood in your barn with a fire-retardant paint or stain. Such products may reduce the rate of ignition of a fire and the flame spread. Buy one that is certified non-toxic to children and animals. These products may have to be reapplied on a regular basis to be effective.

Horse barn fires can be prevented if you follow these safety tips.

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