We asked a number of farmers to share some insight and knowledge on farm fire safety. Here are some of the statistics and top tips shared.
You can read many of their contributions in the fire safety guide.
Dealing with the emotional and financial costs
While we may tend to underestimate the emotional cost, nearly half of the farmer surveyed felt that the emotional and the financial toll of a bushfire went “hand in hand.” A further thirty percent rated the emotional toll as greater.
“Plan in advance and know your limits, and don’t forget to plan for recovery.”
– Andrew
Plan and prepare
While the risk of fire can never be fully eliminated, being prepared beforehand puts you in the best possible position for when one does occur. Having a recovery plan already in place and up-to-date insurance can help you deal with the aftermath and help you make the right decisions.
“Be prepared especially with accessing water from a tank and having a backup generator.”
– Danny
Preventing fires on your farm and in your shed
Andrew from Merriwagga, NSW, put it best: “Never be complacent about the risk of fire.”
To help prevent a fire, be proactive by keeping major buildings spaced as far apart as possible, never allowing smoking near sheds or flammable material storage and keeping fuel and long grass on your property to a minimum.
“Remove long dry grass from around the boundary and buildings.”
– Philip
Combustion of hay
Over thirty percent of those who took our survey rated hay as the biggest fire risk on their farming operation. With that in mind, it might be a good idea to review what causes spontaneous combustion of hay and how to avoid it.
