160 cows were evacuated to safety as firefighters after a fire broke out on a farm in the UK yesterday (Monday, January 4th).
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service responded to reports on an incident on a farm shortly after 8am.
160 cows evacuated to safety
In a statement, a spokesperson said: “At 08:34 on January 4th, 2021, six fire engines, along with supporting appliances, attended a fire off the main road through Temple Sowerby to a fire involving a large barn which contained straw, hay and farm machinery.”
“Crews assisted with moving 160 cows to a place of safety. Firefighters used a water bowser, four main jets, a hose reel and two breathing apparatus to extinguish the fire and remained in attendance for over six hours.”
The fire and rescue service posted images on social media with the following caption: “This morning, crews were called to a barn fire in Temple Sowerby. As you can see, it caused significant damage to the barn but thankfully no one was hurt.”
“Over 100 tonnes of hay was ignited and 160 cows moved to safety. The fire was extinguished and brought under control by crews.”
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service issued advice to farmers to avoid future incidents of this nature.
Assessing the risk
A simple quick survey around the farm, it advises, will identify areas where an arsonist could strike, ask the local crime prevention officer/your insurance adviser for their assistance.
Your survey may reveal the need to:
- Repair or replace damaged fencing or gates.
- Install intruder sensors and security lighting.
- Maintain the security of outbuildings replace or re-site security and warning notices.
- Maintain firefighting equipment and check that it is in order.
- Dogs and geese can give effective early warning of intruders; however, guard dogs must not be allowed to roam freely.
- Prepare a fire routine and action plan – esure all farm workers know what to do.
Hay and straw should be stored…
- Separate from other buildings, particularly those housing fuels, agrochemicals and machinery.
- In stacks of reasonable size, spaced at least 10 metres apart.
- Separate from livestock housing.
- Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas; storage tank outlets should be padlocked.
- Keep fertilisers and pesticides under lock and key.
- Also, refuse should be disposed of safely and on a regular basis.
Preventing fires in grassland and standing crops
The danger of fire during hot weather is self-evident; however, many fires occur in the spring and late summer, usually due to carelessness, they noted.
- Firstly, don’t allow the lighting of open fires or barbecues.
- Ensure cigarettes etc, are extinguished carefully.
- Only allow camping and picnicking in monitored areas.
- Provide litter receptacles for bottles and other rubbish – empty them regularly.
- Ask parents to supervise their children.
- Regularly check and maintain open water supplies for firefighting.
- Lastly, ensure ‘Fire Danger’ warning signs are in place.
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