Barn and Property Fire Prevention: Fire Breaks

Photo credit: The Daily Herald

My heart always sinks when I hear word of a barn fire; especially so if I know if it's a boarding barn full of horses. Whether it's reported as breaking news, or by word of mouth, the panic and devastation associated with the fire always extends beyond the actual incident. Although most barn owners, either backyard or big facilities, have precautions in place to prevent fires inside the barn, what happens if the fire comes to you?


Having a barn (and your own residence and property) that is surrounded by pasture or woods, is in need of a fire break. A fire break is defined as a large road-like clearing of vegetation that stops or slows a fire from proceeding past it by eliminating it's fuel. Granted, a large roaring fire combined with a windy day may be able to "jump" the break, the clearing of the vegetation for the road itself, allows the firefighters and equipment the access they would need to control the flames.

So, where do you start? Begin at the building itself, and clear away any dried leaves/debris from your roof and gutters. If there is any unwanted vegetation growing along side the building itself, clear that away also. Remove old pallets, wood piles, tires or other combustible material that is likely to be discarded behind an out building or barn. If needed, eliminate any fuel for a grass fire by mowing tall grass, and trimming away dead branches in landscaping.

Photo credit: unknown (AUS)

When it comes to creating a fire break, a minimum of a 20 foot gap is recommended by most fire services. If you have naturally occurring creeks, streams or ravines close to your barn or property, you are one step ahead of a grass or forest fire. Extending the fire break on either side of the banks by clearing any vegetation, small trees or bushes. Otherwise, closely mow your fire break around your barn and property with a tractor mower or brush hog; bare ground is the desired result. If you have large trees, trimming up the lower branches also reduces ground fires from climbing the trees.

Fire Flapper

If you would like to go one step forward, purchasing some specialized equipment for grass fires may be well worth the investment one day. I would recommend a few fire flappers (click here). These heavy, rubber "mud flaps on sticks" were standard equipment in Police cars back in the day. I can personally tell you these are the best tool in a pinch when smothering grass fires; just don't use them while wearing polyester uniform
pants!

Lastly, when all your hard work is done, don't forget to call your local fire service and request an inspection. Not only will they give you some suggestions on places you may have overlooked, but you will be making them aware of your easy to access (and protect) property.

Cheers!