Reduce the risk of fire on your farm
Farmers across North Warwickshire are being reminded to take extra care when storing bales, fertilisers, fuels and other substances, to reduce their risk of becoming a victim of arson or accidental fire.
The message comes from Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service, who are highlighting the dangers and devastation that can be caused by fire in farm buildings and on farmland.
It follows a number of recent incidents involving large bales around North Warwickshire, which were attended by officers from Coleshill and Atherstone Fire Stations. In one week, more than 25 bales went up in flames.
One victim was Robin Smith, who had four separate incidents on his farm in Curdworth.
Robin said: “I was very grateful to the fire officers from Coleshill that fought the blazes on my farm. Other farmers in North Warwickshire need to be aware of the risks.
“There are a number of practical things you can do to reduce the risks and I know that the fire service are happy to give advice.”
Paul Bagnall, Area Risk Manager for North Warwickshire, said: “National statistics show that every year in the UK around 1,700 farm buildings and 66,000 acres of grassland are destroyed by fire.
“Half of these fires are started deliberately. Farmers need to be vigilant and take extra care.”
Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service can provide a number of useful tips for farmers on how to assess the risks and reduce the chances of an arson attack. These include:
· How to store hay and straw safely
· The safe storage of fuels, agrochemicals and fertilisers
· Security issues
· Disposal of refuse
If you would like to receive advice on keeping your farm safe from fire, contact Paul Bagnall or Steve Sorrell at Coleshill Fire Station on 01675 462007 or Sean Yeates at Atherstone Fire Station on 01827 713451.