Practical Actions That Make a Difference
Farms are an essential part of Buckinghamshire’s rural landscape, and with busy daily operations, a wide variety of materials on site, and constantly changing conditions, they can face a higher risk of fire than many other workplaces. A fire can spread quickly and have serious consequences, from damage to buildings and equipment to risks to livestock, staff and long-term business resilience. Putting clear and practical safety measures in place helps keep everyone safer and supports the smooth running of day‑to‑day farm life.
Fire risk assessments:
All farms, like all non‑domestic premises, are legally required to have a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment in place. This assessment is more than just a requirement, it is a valuable tool that highlights the most important risks specific to your farm layout, working practices and storage arrangements.
A well‑completed assessment helps:
- Identify fire hazards early
- Prioritise actions that need urgent attention
- Ensure staff understand their roles and responsibilities
- Strengthen overall safety planning and preparedness
Every farm is different, and a fire risk assessment ensures that your approach is tailored, organised and effective.
Understanding common fire risks
Many agricultural fire risks relate to materials, equipment or building conditions found on most farms:
- Combustible materials such as hay and straw can ignite easily if stored while damp or too tightly packed.
- Machinery faults, particularly overheating engines or accumulated debris around moving parts, remain a common cause of accidental ignition.
- Electrical issues within barns, workshops or temporary structures can quickly develop into fires if not addressed.
- Hot‑working activities, including welding, cutting or grinding, which can produce sparks capable of igniting nearby materials if not carefully controlled.
Due to open layouts, stored fuels and ventilation conditions, fires can grow quickly in agricultural settings, making prevention essential.
Storing hay and straw safely
Correct storage of hay and straw significantly reduces the chance of fire.
Helpful practices include:
- Only stacking bales that are fully dry
- Keeping stacks separate from machinery, fuel and livestock housing
- Allowing adequate ventilation between stacks
- Monitoring stored bales regularly for signs of heating
These simple adjustments can make a meaningful difference in reducing fire risk.
Machinery and vehicle safety
Farm vehicles and machinery are vital for day‑to‑day operations but can become hazardous if not maintained properly.
- Remove dust, straw and debris from engines and machinery
- Repair damaged wiring or electrical components without delay
- Refuel in open areas, away from hay and straw storage
- Allow machinery to cool fully before storing it in barns
These routine steps help reduce avoidable fire hazards and keep equipment running safely.
Hot‑working (welding, cutting, grinding)
Hot‑working must be managed with great care due to the risk of sparks igniting surrounding materials.
Recommended precautions include:
- Carrying out hot‑work in designated clear areas free of combustible items
- Keeping suitable fire extinguishers or fire blankets close by
- Ensuring flammable liquids, hay, straw and fuel stores are well away from the workspace
- Maintaining a fire watch for a suitable period after completing the work to ensure no smouldering embers remain
These measures help prevent accidental ignition and improve overall safety.
Fire safety responsibilities for letting spaces
Many farms rent out buildings, workshops, storage units or yard spaces to other businesses or individuals. In these situations, the landlord retains key fire‑safety responsibilities, even when day‑to‑day use is managed by tenants.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment covers all rented areas, including shared access routes and any communal facilities
- Maintaining the fabric and fixed fire‑safety features of the building, such as fire doors, electrical systems, alarms or extinguishers were provided
- Providing clear fire‑safety information to tenants, including escape routes, site rules and procedures
- Confirming that tenants’ activities — such as hot‑working, machinery use or storage of hazardous materials — are included in the risk assessment and are safely managed
- Keeping routes for fire engines and emergency access unobstructed across the wider farm site
Tenants must also play their part: they have a duty to cooperate with the landlord, follow relevant safety measures and complete their own activity‑specific fire‑safety checks where applicable. Good communication between both parties helps reduce risk and ensures compliance with fire‑safety legislation.
Managing buildings and outdoor areas
Keeping buildings and surrounding spaces well‑organised and free from unnecessary materials creates a safer working environment.
- Store fuels, LPG cylinders and chemicals in suitable, well‑ventilated areas away from ignition sources
- Keep access routes and exits clear
- Install appropriate fire detection equipment where needed
- Remove vegetation, waste and unused items that may add to fire spread
Good housekeeping supports faster evacuation and helps fire crews access the site more easily in an emergency.
Being prepared for an emergency
A clear plan helps everyone know what to do if a fire occurs.
- Make sure all staff know how to raise the alarm and follow site procedures
- Keep up‑to‑date site maps showing water supplies, hazardous storage and livestock areas
- Ensure fire appliances can reach all necessary areas year‑round
- Place and maintain fire extinguishers in accessible locations
Well-practised procedures help protect people and minimise damage during an incident.
Supporting Safer Farming in Buckinghamshire
The impact of a farm fire can reach far beyond the initial incident, affecting production, income and long‑term operations. Taking proactive steps supported by a current fire risk assessment strengthens the resilience of your farm and helps safeguard the wider rural community.