Barn
Fire Beware
Preparation
and planning can save you from potential disaster.
By Lindsey
Finn
|
It’s
5:00 in the afternoon on a hot summer day and you have just
arrived home from work. A deafening boom overhead alerts you
to the approaching thunderstorm. You hurry to bring in your
horses to the safety of their stalls. You rush through the
front door of your home just before the first splatters of
rain hit the porch behind you. You hear the first crack of
lightning, and it’s too close for comfort. But nothing
feels out of place and you’ve done this a thousand times
before. However, nothing has really prepared for you for the
plume of smoke that starts to waft out of the first stall
window. It’s not often we think about the potential
for disaster that can lie behind our daily routines. And more
often than not, we are not prepared to deal with these disasters
when they strike.
At
this point you may be going through a quick mental checklist
of measures that you may already have in place to combat a
barn fire. However for those of you who are saying to yourself,
“I have never even considered what I would do …”
this
|
Florida
has more lighting strikes per year than any other place in America.
Additionally, Florida leads the U.S. in deaths and injuries
from lightning strikes. |
article
will explain just what a barn fire can mean to you and your
beloved horses. Having a plan in place can mean the difference
between minor damages and total loss.
Behavior of a Fire
A fire occurs when a fuel source comes in contact with an
ignition source. In a barn, almost anything can be a fuel
source. Liquid fuels such as alcohol, alcohol-based liniments
and rubs, hoof oils and creosote can be found in most barns.
And there is no short supply of solid fuels – hay, straw,
shavings, grain and the barn’s construction materials.
After contact with an ignition source (open flame, electrical
spark, intense heat) the fuel begins to smolder. Smoldering
can take only a few minutes or it can last for hours because
the length of the smoldering process is determined by many
factors. Fires caught during the smoldering phase have a greater
chance of being controlled but can also be the most difficult
to detect.
Smoke and heat production increases as the fire smolders,
and usually enough heat has been generated to produce flames.
Once flames are present the fire grows rapidly and the heat
produced becomes intense. Within minutes, survival inside
the structure is unlikely and the building contents are destroyed.
Smoke is produced in the earliest stages of fire development.
Low-temperature fires produce darker, thicker smoke, while
hot-temperature fires produce less visible smoke. Smoke and
heat are the fires killing attributes. Fires need oxygen to
survive and as it consumes the available oxygen in the barn,
carbon monoxide combines with hemoglobin in the blood resulting
in suffocation.
Lightning
Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity which
typically occurs during thunderstorms. In the atmospheric
electrical discharge, a leader of a bolt of lightning can
travel at speeds of 60,000 meters/second, and can reach temperatures
near 54,000o F. Lightning strikes can cause severe property
damage as well as potential death to a person or animal. Florida
leads the country in injuries and deaths due to lightning,
with North Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia all in the top
10.
Lightning can enter a building by striking a metal object
that extends upward from the building. A Lightning Protection
Institute study found that 9 out of 10 barns struck by lighting
burn to the ground and are totally destroyed. All barns, regardless
of age, should be outfitted with a lightning rod. A properly
installed and grounded lightning protection system is good
insurance to minimize the chance of a barn catching fire from
a lightning strike. You should hire a professional certified
installer in your area to install a lighting rod. For more
information about an installer’s credentials, visit
the Lightning Protection Institute at www.lightning.org.
Spontaneous Combustion of Hay
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Most
hay fires on farms are likely the cause of spontaneous combustion.
Oddly enough, wet hay is more likely to lead to a spontaneous
combustion fire than dry hay. If hay is put into a barn or
stack when it has more than about 22% moisture, not only does
the hay lose forage quality, but it has an increased risk
of spontaneous combustion. Even after grass and legume forages
are cut and baled, plant respiration continues and generates
a small amount of heat. When moisture levels are too high,
the respiratory heat will provide an environment where chemical
reactions can occur. Because hay insulates, the larger the
haystack is, the less cooling there is to offset the heat.
It is a good idea |
Storing
hay in a horse barn is a serious fire hazard as hay can spontaneously
combust. |
to
stack bales on their sides with the stems of the cut hay running
up and down. This allows convection ventilation of warm moist
air up and out of the bale. The greener or moister the hay,
the looser it should be packed to allow cooling or curing without
danger of mildew formation or combustion. When the internal
temperature of hay rises above 130oF, a chemical reaction begins
to produce flammable gas that can ignite if the temperature
goes high enough.
Hay
fires generally occur within six weeks of baling. Heating occurs
in all hay above 15% moisture, but generally peaks at 125o to
130o F, within 3 to 7 days, with minimal risk of combustion
or forage quality loss. Temperature within a stack then declines
to safe levels in the next 15 to 60 days, depending on bale
and stack density, ambient temperature and humidity, and rainfall
absorbed by the hay. If you are storing hay it should be checked
regularly for moisture and heat buildup (See Table 1). Two characteristics
of heating hay is a slight caramel odor or a distinct musty
smell. |
Table
1: Hay Temperatures
& Fire Risk |
If
you are storing hay, it should be checked regularly for
moisture and heat buildup. A probe and thermometer must
be used to accurately determine the temperature inside
a bale of hay. A temperature probe is available from most
farm supply companies and typically costs around $20.
|
Below
130o
F |
No
Problem
|
130o
F to
140o F |
No
Problem yet. Temperature may go
up or down. Recheck in a few hours. |
150o
F |
Temperature
will most likely continue to climb. Move hay to circulate
and cool the air.
Monitor temperature often. |
175o
F to
190o F |
Fire
is imminent or may be present a short distance from
probe. Call the fire department.
Continue probing and monitoring temperature. |
200o
F
or above |
Fire
is present at or near the probe. Call the fire department
Inject water to cool hot spots before moving hay. Have
a charged hose ready to control fire when moving hay.
|
|
Hay
fires are very difficult to extinguish completely. The tightly
laced forages prevent water from penetrating to the core. Only
a forceful blast of water can penetrate deep enough to extinguish
the fire. When hot hay bales are found, summon the fire department.
Tell the dispatcher that you have hot hay bales that might ignite
so that the fire department can plan on how best to handle your
situation.
When storing hay, it is best to keep it in a separate hay storage
building if possible. Upper level storage with a solid floor
is preferable to stall-level storage because heat, smoke and
flames move upward. Laurie Loveman, member of the National Fire
Protection Association, maintains that if hay is stored at stall
level, the area must be completely separated from the stalls
and enclosed with 2-hour fire-resistant roofing and wall materials.
She admits that if you are only buying hay for two or three
horses and you buy hay frequently, stall level hay storage may
be more practical than the ideal.
One of the best fire prevention tools in regards to hay fires
is a broom. Keeping loose hay and straw swept up prevents flaming
hay that can drop or blow from starting other fires. |
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Barn
Design with Fire in Mind
Knowing how a fire starts and behaves is helpful in planning
new barn construction or making your current barn more fire-safe.
Facility design plays an important role not only in fire prevention,
but also in fire suppression. First and foremost, enforcing
a No Smoking rule in or around the barn is crucial. Post signs
stating that there is No Smoking in the barn, but realize
that you may have to give a violator an ultimatum that should
be followed through with. Also, someone smoking in your barn
may void parts of your insurance policy. Secondly, hang a
halter and lead rope on each stall so that if there is an
emergency evacuation, the handler will have quick access to
equipment that fits the horse.
|
|
If
you are building a barn there are a few common rules to keep
in mind at the blue print stage. Stalls surrounding the perimeter
of a center-aisle barn should have both a front and rear door.
According to Loveman, all barns should have a minimum of two
exits, both of which are easily accessible and have no impediments
to their immediate use. Ideally, the exits should allow you
to lead a horse from the stall into the aisle way and then
directly outside in a straight line. Aisles
should be wide enough to accommodate two handlers and two
horses, side-by-side for emergency evacuation. Doors should
slide completely to one side or the other or open outward
to prevent horses from catching a hip on the door. Latches
should be easy to operate with one hand. A solid floor-to-ceiling
wall constructed
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every
fourth stall in a long stretch of stalls will keep flames from
jumping stall partitions into the next group of stalls. A mechanical
room should be provided
for the electrical panel, hot water heater, washer and dryer,
etc. The walls and ceiling of this room should be protected
with 2-hour-rated fire resistant materials.
The
site of the barn also needs consideration. Design the facility
for accessibility of large rescue vehicles. A 12-foot wide
lane is sufficient and any bridges should support a 40,000
pound fire truck. Place buildings 50 to 100 feet away from
the barn. A distance of 100-feet reduces the chance of fire
spreading from building to building. The 50-foot gap allows
access for fire-fighting equipment.
Ms. Loveman warns that you should reconsider using any kind
of foam insulation. Horses need wind protection more than
added heat. Insulating foams often burn very fast and produce
dense black smoke. Some types melt and drip when exposed to
fire and brands that fall while burning will spread the fire
even faster. If you have insulation in your barn, she suggests
removing it or covering it with a fire-retardant material.
Sprinkler
Systems
Sprinkler
systems are the most effective lifesaving and fire suppression
devices you can install
|
in
your
barn.
The sprinkler system must have an adequate year-round water
supply. It takes 500 gallons of water per minute to fight a
hay fire of 250 bales. Most sprinkler systems open to apply
water to a fire when a sensing element in the individual sprinkler
head comes into contact with intense heat. A sprinkler system
usually suppresses a fire with as few as two sprinkler heads
and is very effective at controlling fires before they get out
of hand. On average, one sprinkler head will distribute 25 gallons
of water per minute to extinguish the blaze. As more sprinklers
are activated, more water must be available to maintain pressure
in the line. If water availability is a problem a water tank
can be installed.
A
sprinkler system should be considered for any new barn construction
and can be added to an existing barn. Sprinkler systems are
not a do-it-yourself project and should be installed by a professional
that is state certified. Check with your insurance agent to
see if discounted rates are offered for barns with sprinklers.
While the initial investment may seem high, the insurance savings
alone, over time may pay for the cost of the system. |
Covering
a horse’s eyes with a towel or cloth may helpful in leading
the horse out of the stall during a fire. Photo courtesy
of Emergency
Training Systems. |
|
Electrical
Considerations
Wiring for a horse barn is straightforward. Work performed
by a professional is your greatest chance of correct electrical
set up. Certified electricians will be familiar with the National
Electrical Code Handbook, as well as codes specific to the
area in which you live.
Ms. Loveman says that at some point between where the incoming
electricity comes from the road and enters the barn, a shutoff
switch should be located that will cut off electricity to
the barn. She says that this switch can be located inside
or outside but that it needs to be accessible at all times
and its location should be clearly marked so it can be seen
from a distance of 75 feet. The purpose of the switch is to
cut off all power to the barn, but not to other buildings,
water pumps or telephones.
Wiring should be enclosed in metal conduit that will protect
the wiring from corrosion or from destruction by animals and
birds. One main cause of electrical fires is from short circuits
caused by overloaded systems, no conduits or faulty conduits.
Just as in homes, more electrical outlets should be installed
to keep from overloading circuits. With only a few electrical
outlets, horse owners are likely to resort to extension cords
which tend become a permanent fixture and are a major potential
fire hazard.
Talk to your electrician about where to install electrical
outlets. You will want one near every stall, not necessarily
in front of every stall. Also, where will you be doing activities,
such as clipping, in your barn? Outlets in the aisle way or
in crossties are a smart idea. Electrical outlets can be put
near wash racks so long as they are designed for use around
water with a cover so they will automatically trip the switch
in case of a short.
Outlets should be kept clean and free of cobwebs. Use child
proof plastic inserts to cover any unused outlets. Outlets
located outside should have flip-open covers. Ms. Loveman
precautions that when you install switches, outlets and lights,
your electrician should seal all the gaps around the entrances
to every box with silicone caulk. Enough fires are started
by sparking dust in electrical systems, sealing everything
off at the start is a wise decision.
Overloaded circuits or outlets are another recipe for disaster.
Inspect and clean electrical panels, wiring and fixtures frequently.
Lighting fixtures and fans should be designed for agricultural
use and have appropriate dust- and moisture-resistant covers.
Use products approved by the Underwriter’s Laboratory
(UL) and keep all electric appliances in good repair. Unplug
electric appliances when they are not in use.
Fire
Extinguishers |
|
Every
barn should have portable fire extinguishers. However, due
to their small size, the usefulness of portable extinguishers
in barn fires is limited. They are most beneficial when a
fire is small and immediately discovered. However, an extinguisher
may contain the fire until help arrives. Extinguishers should
be located near each exit, in the tack room, and near the
electrical panel. For larger barns, install additional extinguishers
every 50 feet along the aisle. Every person who is regularly
in the barn should be trained in how to properly use a fire
extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers have several ratings, depending on the
type of fire that they are to be used for. Class A extinguishers
will put out fires of normal combustible materials such as
wood and paper. Class B extinguishers should be used on fires
involving flammable liquids. Class C extinguishers are designed
for use on electrically energized fires. The most versatile
type of extinguisher is the multipurpose ABC-type that extinguishes
the
|
 |
broadest
range of fires. Your extinguisher must be rated for the type
of fire that you are trying to put out. Using the wrong type
of extinguisher on a fire can a make a bad situation worse!
Smoke Detectors
Early
warning devices can be an effective tool in fire detection,
but few are suitable for barn use. Many early detection and
fire suppression systems are available, but most were developed
for residential use. This severely limits their practicality
in horse barns or other livestock facilities since they tend
to be dustier, more humid, and colder then residential environments.
There are three types of detectors available: smoke detectors,
optical smoke detectors and heat detectors. All three have
pro’s and con’s associated with their use in a
barn. Consult a fire safety product specialist to discuss
which type of detector will work best for you.
A common situation in most barns is that they must be left
unattended for long stretches of time throughout the day.
In this case, consider installing an alerting system that
is tied to a monitoring station through phone lines. The fire
department will be notified immediately, even if you are unavailable.
Response to a Fire
|
| When
a fire starts, every second is critical. Having an evacuation
plan for your barn is as important as having one for your home.
If you need help in designing an evacuation plan, you can inform
you local fire department about your barn and property and ask
them to make a pre-fire plan for your property.
In
a fire emergency, your first step should be to call the fire
department. When you call the emergency number, tell the dispatcher
“I have a horse stable fire at (your address).”
By specifying that a horse stable is on fire, you are letting
emergency personnel know that living creatures are involved.
Your second step is to evacuate all nonessential personnel
from the barn such as students and visitors. Evacuating your
animals should be your third step. Having a plan specifically
for your barn is a must. Loveman gives suggestions for questions
to ask yourself when designing this plan. For example: which
exit door should I use? Which pasture should the horse be
put in? Which horse should be evacuated first and why? Where
should I park my car to keep it out of the way of fire fighting
equipment?
Loveman warns about the horse that will not leave the stall.
She says that if you attempt to move a horse and it resists,
you must leave him behind. Leave the barn and do not go back
in because conditions can quickly worsen to a point where
you cannot evacuate yourself.
When firefighters arrive, you can best help them by staying
out of their way. They are trained and experienced in fire
control. That being said, evacuating animals in a fire is
not the job of the fire department. Firefighters are not experienced
in handling an excited horse, and may be impeded by their
protective gear.
If
you are able to evacuate horses, begin with the horse that
is most accessible. Horses should be lead out and away from
the barn, or they may try to return to the perceived safety
of their stalls. If they panic or get loose inside, they may
run, bumping into other horses, people and doorways. Also
in |
10
Tips to make your barn fire safe |
1).
Install a grounded lightning rod to protect your barn
in electrical storms.
2).
Store hay and shavings, both of which are very combustible,
in a separate building.
3).
Make sure that stored hay is cured properly and that
it's kept dry. Damp hay can start fires through spontaneous
combustion.
4).
Don't use extension cords, they easily become permanent
fixtures in a barn. If you really need to, use an industrial-grade
cord and don't overload it.
5).
Consider installing a sprinkler system. While the initial
investment may seem high, check with your insurance
agent to see if he or she offers discounts for barns
with sprinklers.
6).
Place fire extinguishers within reach. Place them every
40 feet or consider keeping one at each entrance, in
the tack room and near feed storage. Make sure they're
charged and protected from freezing.
7).
Keep your barn clean. Loose hay, dust and cobwebs are
fire hazards.
8).
Post "No Smoking" signs and enforce the ban
in your barn.
9).
Have every stall fitted with a halter and lead rope,
and with front and rear doors.
10).
Have a plan in place for evacuation, along with a plan
for how emergency equipment could access your barn most
quickly. |
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their
panic they may hinder firefighter operations, cause traffic
accidents, or cause harm to themselves or others.
Your
evacuation plan should include a secure space for all animals.
Know ahead of time which paddock or pasture to use that is
safe and secure, making sure that no animal is left alone.
Dogs should be kept on a leash and cats should be contained
in carriers. Loveman suggests that this is a good job for
any youngsters that are on the property as it keeps both the
dog or cat and the child safe.
An
Ounce of Prevention
Although barn fires are a serious threat because of their
destructiveness, they are largely preventable. Your goal should
be to do everything you can to prevent fires from starting.
If a fire starts, try to save as much as you can without compromising
your safety. Leaving behind a horse in a barn fire is a harsh
reality and not a decision that any horse owner would want
to be faced with. Having a plan and keeping your barn fire-safe
will allow you to stay calm when dealing with a fire emergency.
In the aftermath of a barn fire you should be proud and thankful
about how much you did save.
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References:
Loveman,
Laurie. “Fire Safety in Horse Barns.” http://www.laurieloveman.com/barnfires.html
Barnard,
Robert and Laurie Loveman. “Making Your Horse Barn Fire
Safe.” Humane Society of the United States. http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/Horse-Barn-Fire-Publication.pdf |
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About
the Author:
Lindsey
Finn is an Equine Nutrition Consultant for Seminole
Feed and a graduate of the University of Georgia where
she competed with the Varsity Equestrian team and majored
in Animal Science. Lindsey enjoys riding her Thoroughbred
gelding Derby in equitation, hunters and dressage. |
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