Small flames can be extinguished within 30 seconds. hit by a major fireA small barn fire can consume an entire horse stable in just five to seven minutes.
A stable fire is every horse owner’s worst nightmare. According to the Animal Welfare Society: More than 900 horses died. US barn fires since 2013.
However, by learning about common causes and implementing fire safety measures, you can greatly reduce the risk of fire in your barn.
Barn Fire Safety Checklist
Most barn fires (a whopping 80%-85%) are caused by electrical failure, human error, or accidents. Following these fire prevention measures can greatly reduce the risk of a barn fire.
Keep it clean
The simplest fire prevention measure in and around your horses is cleanliness, and this six-step fire prevention checklist will help you reduce the risk of fire in your stable.
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Remove any flammable debris that could burn quickly, such as spider webs, empty feed or bedding bags, and oily rags.
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Store flammable materials (fuel, bedding, chemicals, hay, etc.) at least 50 feet away from horse stalls.
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Do not stack wet hay.
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Smoking is not permitted in the barn and we must ensure no smoking signs are posted around the barn.
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Mow the lawn and pull weeds regularly to reduce ignition sources that could spread fire to your barn.
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At least once a year, check all wiring, junction boxes, and electrical panels for damage and repair any damage you notice immediately.
Utilize fire prevention techniques and equipment
Making horse stable fire safety a priority will keep your horses safe and give you peace of mind. These fire safety techniques, when properly installed, can help reduce the likelihood of a horse stable fire:
of National Fire Protection Association 150, Fire and Life Safety in Animal Care Facilities It also provides specific fire prevention guidelines for barns, including horse stables.
Fire sprinkler systems are one of the fire protection solutions recommended by the association, and while you’ll likely look up and see sprinklers when you visit any public building, such as a restaurant, store, or hotel, most horse farms don’t have them installed in their stables.
It may be worth the cost to install one to increase the chances of saving a life in the event of a fire.
Consider the layout of your barn
If you are building a new barn, use approved fire doors, fire barriers and fire-retardant materials wherever possible.
We also recommend limiting the number of stalls in a center aisle to provide exits for each horse nearby. In existing stables, evaluate the layout of the stables and make changes where possible.
In either scenario, consider the following:
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Easy to use stall door hardware installation
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Building stall with two doors (inside/outside)
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Properly insulating and ventilating your barn will reduce the need for heaters and fans.
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Considering the barn is close to a water source
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Install multiple fire hydrants in and around the barn
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Keep bridles and lead ropes in easily accessible places
Hire a Professional to Inspect Your Barn
Having a professional evaluate and maintain your horse stable’s electrical system is an important step in reducing the risk of fire. An electrician should inspect and repair the wiring annually and assess the lightning risk of your horse stable.
If your barn does not already have a lightning rod installed, you will likely be advised to install one, which is designed to guide lightning to the ground if it strikes the barn during a storm.
Make an evacuation plan
Even with the best prevention plans, fires can still occur.
In some areas, fire departments can respond to a fire in 3-5 minutes, but in more remote areas it can take 10 minutes or more. Despite this short response time, a small flame can consume an entire facility within minutes.
Having an emergency response and evacuation plan can mean the difference between life and death for both humans and horses.
Before an emergency occurs, invite the fire department into the barn to assess the building and provide feedback on how to update the facility to improve the efficiency of fire response.
During the visit, the fire department may:
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Identify all water sources (natural or municipal) available on the site.
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Be aware of utility shutoff points.
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We will evaluate your driveway and barn for access and recommend removing any trees or low hanging branches that may obstruct entry.
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Inform evacuation plans.
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Suggest creating an up-to-date emergency contact list, including paramedics, veterinarians, and nearby farms.
Once you have a plan, practice it. Train all staff and residents in how to use a fire extinguisher and have them practice the plan. Local fire extinguisher companies offer training on how to use the extinguisher correctly and service plans to ensure the extinguisher is in working order.
Prioritizing human safety
If it is safe to do so, move horses out of the barn as soon as possible and into pasture away from the fire.
However, it is important that you never re-enter a building that is involved in fire and allow firefighters to carry out their duties safely.
Prevention and preparation are key in any emergency, and by ensuring the safety measures listed above are implemented, damage can be significantly reduced if a fire does break out.
First aid for a horse stable fire
Horses that survive a barn fire may experience injuries and other symptoms that require prompt treatment from a veterinarian. Your horse first aid kit should be well-stocked, so consider storing the kit away from the barn so it’s readily available in the event of a fire.
Barn fires can cause health problems for horses, including:
Smoke inhalation
Horses who inhale smoke may experience the following symptoms:
In severe cases, horses may develop bronchitis or pneumonia. Older horses, horses with underlying medical conditions and pregnant or lactating mares may be more susceptible as they have weakened immune systems.
Smoke inhalation in horses varies depending on the horse and the level of exposure. Horses are often given high doses of the antioxidant Vitamin E in products such as: Nano E®.
If your horse’s condition is more severe, stabilization may be required, including making sure the horse’s airway is open and treating the horse with hydration for shock.
People with severe upper airway edema (fluid accumulation) may need to have a tracheotomy (opening the windpipe and inserting a tube).
Some horses may recover from acute (severe) smoke inhalation in 4-6 weeks. Generally, a minimum rest period of about 2 weeks is recommended after exposure.
Burns
Horses can be burned to death in a barn fire, whether they are trapped inside the barn or burned trying to escape to safety.
Horse burns vary in severity.
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Superficial burns are usually easy to treat and don’t cost anything to treat at home.
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Severe burns can lead to shock and require aggressive treatment that can be costly and difficult to manage.
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Horses with burns over half of their body have a serious prognosis and may die from their injuries or may have to be humanely euthanized.
Horses that survive burns may be scarred for the rest of their lives and may never be able to return to their normal daily routine.
Heat stroke
While most horse owners are aware that their horses can suffer from heat stroke during the summer months, it’s important to remember that a fire is an extreme heat event.
Be sure to look for signs of heat stroke, such as rapid breathing, body temperature, sweating and dehydration.
