Barn fires are a horse owner's worst nightmare and unfortunately, they are extremely common. Many barn fires have killed famous race horses and numerous beloved pets. There can be so many flammable objects in a barn that you wouldn't even think twice about. Even the materials used to build the barn can be a fire hazard. Everyday supplies like hay, straw, bedding, blankets, and even tack can cause a fire. It is such a tragic, scary situation, why not take all the precautions to prevent them? These things can seem silly or they may be costly, but I think it is worth it to keep your horses safe. 

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:

No Smoking. Smoking inside barns is a huge risk of barn fires. Any open flame can be the start to a dangerous situation. If you can, try smoking out and away from the barn. This includes Cigarettes', Pipes, and Cigars. If you have a facility where multiple people have access, you can hang a "NO SMOKING" sign and enforce the policy on your property. 

Wire correctly and to code. Making sure your wiring is right and up to code is a lifesaver, literally. We all know it can be a pain/costly, but again, it is worth it. If your wiring is old or incorrect, it can cause shorts and lead to an electrical fire. 

Manure outdoors. As silly as this one sounds, manure creates its own heat and therefore can be the start of a fire. It has actually been the start of many barn fires. Keeping your manure pile outdoors is just an extra step in keeping your animals safe. 

Heating elements or fans. Having heating elements or box fans in a barn can be very dangerous. It is actually a huge reason why we do not order the box fans at our store. Something like a fan, space heater, heat lamp, and plug-in heated buckets are one of the number on causes of a barn fire. They can short out and cause sparks, which then leads to bigger problems. 

Install smoke detectors or sprinkler systems. Having a smoke detector or sprinkler system installed can be very costly, but can also help prevent the start of a fire. It is just something to give you piece of mind and be there in case the worst happens. A smoke detector can notify you before it gets out of hand and the sprinklers can just be an added preventative incase a fire does start. It is also a smart idea to keep a Fire Extinguisher in your barn and easily accessible. 

No Flammable Liquids. Barns can be a nice place for storage purposes, but it is a good idea to keep out any flammable liquids or substances. For example, no gas or alcohol. 

Easy accessible water and hose. Having a hose and hydrant near by the barn can be super helpful. Make sure it is easy to locate and access. It is also handy to have a hose near the hydrant, that way you can get it together quicker. Also, making sure the hose can reach a good distance is very important. 

Most importantly, get the horses out! In the event of a barn fire, make sure to quickly and calmly get all the horses out of the barn. It is terrifying, but just try to remain calm and focused. Make sure to get them safely outside. Once they are all out, make sure to close the door behind you. Horses will naturally go back to places that they feel safe and secure. In most cases, this is their stall. If the door is open, there is the risk of having a horse run back in. 

Hopefully, you are never in this situation, but it is always best to take precautions and have a plan just in case. Always make sure your property is accessible in the event that the Fire Department has to come out. Having equipment out of the way is also super helpful. Being prepared is the safest option. You can never be too careful, especially with horses. 

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