This resource was fully reviewed and updatedA member of The Open Sanctuary Project’s staff has given this resource a full review and provided updates where necessary. by a member of The Open Sanctuary Project as of March 2026. It was originally published on October 30, 2018.
The thought of a fire affecting your residents’ housing is the stuff of nightmares, but unfortunately, structure fires of this nature are all too common. In this resource, we’ll explore common hazards at farmed animal sanctuariesAnimal sanctuaries that primarily care for rescued animals that were farmed by humans. and measures sanctuaries can implement to prevent fires and mitigate the effects should one occur.
Background
When looking into this topic, you’ll see that the term “barn fire” is often used to describe these types of fires, but that term could be misleading depending on what you picture a barn to be. In the case of barn fires, the term “barn” is typically used to describe any structure that houses farmed animalA species or specific breed of animal that is raised by humans for the use of their bodies or what comes from their bodies. species or that otherwise relates to farming (this would include outbuildings that store farming equipment, hay storage buildings, etc.). Most barn fire statistics include large-scale animal agricultural operations, small commercial farmsFor-profit organizations focused on the production and sale of plant and/or animal products., horse stables, and backyard enclosures. Regardless of the type of structure your sanctuary residents live in and whether or not you call it a barn, the risk of fire must be taken seriously. Despite the critical differences between animal sanctuaries and animal agricultureThe human production and use of animals in order to produce animal products, typically for profit. operations, sanctuaries are not immune to the risk of structure fires or their devastating consequences.
The terrifying truth is that barn fires are rarely small – according to Rutgers University, half of all barn fires involve the entire structure. There are likely several reasons for this, including the fact that these structures often contain highly flammable materials (such as straw or other bedding). Additionally, a lack of detection systems could allow a fire to go unnoticed until it has grown quite large. Proper inspection, maintenance, and detection/suppression systems could prevent or mitigate the effects of barn fires, but most states lack codes requiring fire protection in barns.
While any fire can have devastating consequences and put our residents’ lives at risk, fires affecting the entire structure are catastrophic. Even in the best-case scenario where every resident makes it out unscathed (which, unfortunately, is not a given), a structure fire can still leave a path of devastation for the sanctuary, disrupting sanctuary operations, exposing caregivers to additional stress that can lead to burnout, and leaving the sanctuary with unexpected expenses that may or may not be covered by insurance. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that, on average, barn fires cost $48 million in property damages annually between 2014 and 2018.
Unfortunately, when structures housing animals are affected by fire, there is a very real risk that animals will die, and sadly, farmed animal sanctuaries have lost residents in structure fires. A lack of universal reporting requirements makes it difficult to know how often fatal barn fires occur, but an updated report by the Animal WelfarePractices and policies that promote the well-being of nonhuman animals, specifically their health and comfort. Institute (AWI) takes a closer look at this issue in terms of scope, causes, and prevention. AWI largely relied on media reports and acknowledged that, because not all fires are reported, some of the numbers they provide are likely conservative estimates. That said, they reported 328 deadly barn fires in the US between 2022 and 2024.
Causes Of Fires
According to AWI, a cause (suspected or confirmed) was only reported in about 34% of the 328 deadly barn fires. In 70% of those cases, the suspected or confirmed cause involved malfunctioning or improperly used electrical heating devices or other electrical issues.
Here’s the full breakdown of causes of fatal barn fires, per their report:
- 32% Electric heating device (heat lamp, space heater) suspected
- 17% Electric heating device (heat lamp, space heater) confirmed
- 12% Other electrical malfunction suspected
- 9% Other electrical malfunction confirmed
- 17% Miscellaneous machinery (skid steer, manure pump, truck, chicken feeder, etc.)
- 4.5% Arson
- 13.5% Other (weather-related, human error, grass fire, hay combustion, gas leak, etc.)
Rutgers University also identifies heating equipment as the main cause of barn fires and points to heat lamps as the primary culprit.
Seasonality
Somewhat unsurprisingly, given that heating devices are a leading cause of fires, AWI found that northeastern and midwestern states were disproportionately affected by fatal barn fires and that 64% of fatal barn fires occurred between October and March, suggesting cold weather as a significant risk factor for barn fires. That’s not to say non-winter months are free of risk. Rutgers University cites electrical storms and hay combustion as common causes of summer barn fires.
A Closer Look At Some Of The Leading Fire Hazards At Sanctuaries
Before diving into preventative measures, let’s take a closer look at some of the leading barn fire hazards at farmed animal sanctuaries. Understanding these hazards is necessary to understand what can be done to prevent fires.
Electric Heating Devices
Depending on a sanctuary’s climate and resident population, the use of heating devices may be a necessary aspect of care, but it also comes with inherent fire risk. While AWI focuses on electric heating devices, we want to point out that all heaters come with fire risk (and some types come with other risks as well, such as toxic fumes). Therefore, sanctuaries must choose heating devices carefully. Additionally, due to the presence of flammable materials (as described below), great care must be taken regarding the placement and upkeep of heating devices. While all heating devices must be kept away from bedding and other flammable materials, those that become particularly hot require additional considerations both to prevent fires and to protect residents from burns.
Because of the significant fire risk associated with heat lamps, we urge sanctuaries to look into alternatives. (As a side note, in addition to fire risk, some glass heat lamp bulbs release polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, as they heat up, which is highly toxic to birds when inhaled.) Examples of heating devices used at sanctuaries include those specifically designed for use in animal living spaces, such as radiant heat panels, infrared overhead heaters, and ceramic heat emitters, as well as portable oil-filled radiator heaters and ceramic wall-mounted heat panels. The most appropriate heat source for your residents will vary by species (and you can check out our species-specific Creating A Good Home resources for more guidance).
In addition to heating devices that heat the space, sanctuaries may also need to use heating devices to keep drinking water from freezing. As with heaters, it’s important to choose something appropriate for the situation and the species utilizing it. Be sure to consider how easily a resident could access the heating element when considering different designs. Pigs, in particular, have been known to open certain twist-open units, which could put residents or flammable bedding into contact with the heating element, and unsecured tank heaters could cause a fire or injure residents if pulled out of the tank.
Electrical Issues
Because an overwhelming cause of barn fires pertains to electrical heating devices and other electrical issues, it goes without saying that electrical safety plays a major role in fire prevention. To better understand how and why electrical issues cause fires, as well as steps you should take to mitigate risk, please check out our resource on electrical safety here. Without this understanding, you may not appreciate the importance of some of the fire prevention measures presented later on, so we urge you to pause and check out that resource if you haven’t already.
Presence Of Flammable Materials
The exact contents of each structure will vary, but a common theme in resident housing is the presence of varying amounts of flammable materials. Depending on what building materials are used, some structures may themselves be quite flammable. Additionally, some of the elements that are necessary for the care of the residents may be highly flammable. This includes hay, straw, other organic bedding materials, and fabrics such as blankets, coats, or plush beds. While removing all flammable materials from resident living spaces is not feasible (and may negatively impact their health and well-being), quantity and placement matter. These materials can fuel a fire and quicken its spread. The bigger the fuel load, the bigger the risk, so there’s a significant difference between having hay racks full of hay for your goat residents to eat and having a hay loft full of stacks of hay bales. Recognizing the flammable materials in the space and reducing the quantity so that only those materials that are necessary remain can make a huge difference.
Similarly, placement of flammable materials matters. While it would be ideal to store all hay and straw bales in a structure separate from resident living spaces and only have the amount of hay and straw necessary for daily care present in the space, we know that may not be feasible. In addition to trying to keep quantities of these materials low, it’s also safest to store them at the same level as resident living spaces rather than above them in a loft. Fire can spread quickly through hay and straw, and a fire raging above your residents adds additional dangers to evacuation efforts. If you do keep hay or straw in lofts, you’ll need to avoid practices that could facilitate the easy spread of a fire below to the loft. Bales or loose pieces of straw or hay that overhang the edge of the loft or openings in the loft could catch fire from flames below, introducing fire to the loft more quickly than if those were not present.
In addition to the materials listed above, be aware that cobwebs, dust, and grain dust are also highly flammable. Dust and cobwebs may be impossible to keep at bay entirely, but, as with other flammable materials, quantity matters. Having a few cobwebs in a corner is very different from a ceiling covered in cobwebs, and the latter will facilitate a faster spreading fire. A fire that starts at one end of a structure could easily spread across the ceiling if it is covered in cobwebs. As the cobwebs burn above, they may drop into other areas of the barn not yet on fire, resulting in further spread. Cobwebs can also be the pathway that facilitates spread from a fire at ground level up to a storage loft, so regular cleaning is crucial.
Hay Combustion
When it comes to hay, there’s an additional risk to consider besides its flammability, and that’s the risk of spontaneous combustion! After hay is cut, the plant material continues to respire, producing a small amount of heat. When forages are baled at the recommended moisture level, this respiration slows until it ultimately ends. Hay that is baled with a moisture content higher than 20% creates an environment conducive to mesophilic bacteria growth. These bacteria produce additional heat that can raise internal bale temperatures to 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit. At these temperatures, thermophilic bacteria thrive, multiplying and producing more heat, further raising the internal temperature, potentially to the point of combustion.
In addition to moisture content, how hay is stacked also factors into the equation. When hay is tightly packed, moisture and heat become trapped, leading to further microbial activity. Poor ventilation also inhibits heat dissipation, increasing the risk of dangerous internal temperatures.
Hay fires from spontaneous combustion most commonly occur within the first six weeks after being baled (though they can occur past the 6-week mark). If you have any concerns that hay may have been baled too wet (or was exposed to excessive moisture via environmental conditions), it’s recommended to check hay temperature twice daily during the first 6 weeks to ensure temperatures come down rather than increasing to dangerous levels.
Hay with an internal temperature between 150 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit has the potential to spontaneously combust. Depending on the temperature of the hay, there are certain action steps you can take to attempt to cool the hay, but we cannot stress enough just how hazardous it is to work around dangerously hot hay if you do not know what you’re doing and all the risks involved. Doing the wrong thing (such as increasing circulation after temperatures have already reached the point that fire is almost certain or walking across a hay stack that has a hidden fire pocket) can have catastrophic consequences. We urge folks to work with an expert in their area (such as someone from their cooperative extension office or local fire department) to learn more about safety precautions to take when temping bales and responding to concerning internal temperatures.
Below are action steps outlined by the National Resource, Agriculture and Engineering Service, but these are not a replacement for rigorous safety training.
- 125ºF – No action needed
- 150ºF – Hay is entering the danger zone. Check temperature twice daily. Disassemble stacked bales to promote air circulation and to cool the hay.
- 160ºF – Hay has reached the danger zone. Check hay temperature every couple of hours. Disassemble stacked bales to promote air circulation and to cool hay.
- 175ºF – Hot spots or fire pockets are likely. Alert fire services to the possible hay fire incident. Stop all air movement around the hay.
- 190ºF – With the assistance of the fire service, remove hot hay. Be aware that it could burst into flames.
- 200ºF or higher – With the assistance of the fire service, remove hot hay. Most likely, a fire will occur. Be aware that it could burst into flames.
Preventing And Mitigating The Risk Of Fires
Sanctuaries can reduce fire risk by conducting regular safety inspections, identifying and removing potential ignition sources, and minimizing flammable materials that could fuel a fire.
Regular Safety Inspections
Sanctuaries should schedule routine inspections, conducted both by professionals and sanctuary personnel, to identify and address hazards. This includes:
- Annual inspection by the local fire department
- Annual electrical inspection by a licensed electrician
- Working with your insurance company to make sure you are meeting their requirements. They can offer you advice on best practices, and some will even send a knowledgeable representative to your property to look for areas of concern.
- Scheduling regular safety inspections by sanctuary personnel to identify and remove potential ignition sources and reduce the amount of flammable materials in and around resident living spaces
- Regularly checking heating and electrical equipment and immediately repairing or replacing anything that is damaged or showing signs of concern
- Ensuring that electrical appliances that are used seasonally are thoroughly inspected before putting them into service at the start of the season
Identify And Address Potential Ignition Sources
Sanctuaries should ensure all personnel are aware of potential ignition sources so they can recognize them and either remove them or take steps to mitigate their risk. Potential ignition sources include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, matches, lighters, and other open flames; motors, sparks, or heat from equipment; heaters; electrical appliances; batteries; electric fence chargers; and electrical fixtures and wires.
To reduce fire risk, sanctuaries should:
- Enact and enforce a strict no-smoking policy
- If smoking is allowed on sanctuary grounds, it should only be in designated areas away from resident living spaces and away from high-risk areas such as propane tanks or hay storage. Be sure to provide a safe container for cigarette butt disposal.
- Never allow smoking in or around resident living spaces
- Post clear signage to let folks know smoking is not allowed (and if applicable, where designated smoking areas are located)
- Be mindful of the risks associated with vehicles, equipment, and machinery
- Avoid storing vehicles and machinery in structures that also house residents
- Make sure tractors, mowers, etc., are free of leaves and grass clippings before parking them
- Remember that exhaust pipes and manifolds on trucks and tractors are hot and could start a fire if they come into contact with flammable materials
- Keep motors at least 18 inches from any combustible materials (like hay)
- If you employ a portable generator during a power outage, always shut down the generator and allow it to cool before refueling, or the fuel could ignite. Keep in mind that portable generators carry other risks, such as electric shock and carbon monoxide poisoning. They must be used carefully, following all manufacturer instructions, and should only be used in a well-ventilated space outdoors (and at least 20 feet from doors, windows, and exhaust fans that could pull toxic fumes inside). Be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors to alert you to rising CO levels!
- Ensure electrical safety (check out our resource if you haven’t already!)
- Mark the electrical panel with clear signage
- Hire a licensed electrician to install a shut-off switch outside of the structure and label it with clear signage
- Make sure all electrical wires in resident structures and outbuildings are encased in conduit and surface-mounted
- Regularly clean heating and electrical equipment
- Make sure electrical equipment is labeled for agricultural or commercial use
- Make sure all electrical appliances are grounded and meet applicable safety requirements (such as being UL listed)
- Make sure all wiring is free from damage
- Never use electrical appliances that have damaged cords or bent plugs
- Avoid using extension cords (you can read more about extension cords here)
- Never run electrical cords under rugs or mats
- If possible, have an electrician hardwire electrical appliances that are used constantly
- Unplug electrical appliances when not in use (appliances that are used seasonally should be disconnected, cleaned, and carefully stored when not in use)
- Protect outlets from dust, cobwebs, debris, and moisture with appropriate outlet covers (“in use” covers keep outlets covered even when something is plugged in and should be used to protect outlets that are regularly in use)
- Protect cords from damage from residents or wildlife
- Use appropriate lightbulb covers to protect from dust, moisture, and breakage
- Use heating devices thoughtfully
- Choose heating devices carefully
- Avoid glass bulb heat lamps
- Keep heating devices a safe distance from flammable materials
- If heating devices are hung, ensure they cannot fall, and never hang by the cord
- If heating devices are mounted, ensure they are secure and cannot be knocked loose
- If heating devices are free-standing, ensure they are on a flat, level surface and cannot tip over, and opt for models that have a tip-over shut-off
- To keep free-standing devices away from flammable materials and to prevent tipping over, consider elevating the device on a sturdy platform and enclosing it in a custom-made “cage”
- Make sure all water heaters have a thermostat
- If using heated autowaterers, make sure they have an enclosed heating element and that they are appropriate for the species in question (and that residents cannot open them, move them, or otherwise access the heating element)
- If using tank heaters, only use them with the kind of trough they are designed for, and make sure residents cannot pull the device out of the tank or chew on the cord
- If you choose to install electric fencing, have this done by a professional and work with them to ensure ongoing maintenance
- Avoid continuous current electric fence controllers
- Opt for controllers bearing the Underwriters Laboratory seal of approval
- Keep vegetation away from electric fencing
- Clean all electrical devices and outlets regularly (read more about this here)
- Take compassionate steps to deter wildlife, especially rodents, from taking up residence in living spaces, which could lead to chewed wires or nests built on/in electrical infrastructure (read more about compassionate wildlife strategies here)
- Mitigate the risk of hay combustion
- Use a trusted supplier to ensure hay is baled at an acceptable moisture level and in appropriate weather conditions (or, if you bale your own hay, ensure you are doing this)
- Check the temperature and/or moisture levels before storing hay to ensure it is safe to do so (this is always recommended, but is crucial if storing in or near resident housing)
- Keep concerning bales away from resident housing and monitor the temperature twice daily
- Train staff to monitor hay for signs of heating, such as certain odors (slight caramel, musty, or burning) or heat or visible vapors coming from hay. These should be reported immediately, and the temperature of the hay should be checked.
- Store hay in separate structures away from resident housing whenever possible
- If hay must be stored in the same structure as resident housing, consider waiting at least 6 weeks post-baling and ensuring it is at a safe temperature before storing (please remember, hay can act as both an ignition source and flammable material that fuels a fire, so hay continues to be a fire risk even if combustion risk is mitigated).
- When storing hay, ensure ventilation around stacks and opt for multiple smaller stacks over one massive stack
- Mitigate risk from lightning strikes
- Have a licensed electrician install lightning arrestors in electrical panels
- Work with a professional to determine where lightning protection systems are warranted
Minimize The Presence Of Flammable Materials
In the event of a fire, the amount of flammable materials present will impact how quickly and extensively the fire spreads. As explained above, not all flammable materials can be excluded from resident living spaces entirely, but sanctuary personnel should recognize which materials are flammable and carefully consider if they can be removed or reduced to lower levels. Additionally, sanctuaries should implement safety measures to mitigate the risk associated with flammable materials that must remain in resident spaces.
To reduce the presence of flammable materials and mitigate risk, sanctuaries should:
- Implement regular cleaning protocols
- Remove dust, cobwebs, and other debris from around outlets and lights regularly
- Cobweb dust regularly
- Sweep up loose hay, straw, and bedding daily (or as often as possible)
- Keep living spaces clean and free of clutter
- Keep the area immediately surrounding the structure free of vegetation
- Store bagged food, hay, straw, and other bedding materials carefully
- When possible, storage areas should be entirely separate from resident housing
- If the storage area is in the same structure as resident housing, install a firewall between the spaces
- If the storage area is not separate from resident housing, store these items at the same level as resident housing when possible (rather than above it in lofts)
- If storing hay or straw in lofts, do not allow bales or loose pieces to hang over the edge of the loft
- Do not store these items near lights, fans, electrical boxes, heaters, or outlets
- Leave at least 2 feet of clearance between stacks and ceilings
- Use caution with other flammables
- If flammable liquids are present, these must be stored carefully and should not be stored in structures that house residents. Depending on the quantity, you may need to store it in a flammable safety cabinet.
- Accelerants (substances that speed the spread of fire, such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, aerosol cans, or paint thinner) must be stored in approved containers and labeled
- Be aware that cloth that is wet with flammable or combustible liquids, such as oil-based products, can spontaneously combust and must be handled appropriately before storing or discarding. NFPA instructs folks to let rags dry outside by securely hanging them up or spreading them out outside and weighing them down. Never pile them up! Once dry, they should be placed in a resealable metal container and covered with water and detergent to break down oils. Contact your local waste disposal office for further instructions regarding disposal.
Facilitating A Quick Response In The Event Of A Fire
Prevention is just one aspect of fire safety, albeit a very important one. Equally important, though, is enacting practices and protocols that will allow for a quick response in the event of a fire.
In the event of a fire, time is of the essence, so it’s important to ensure emergency responders don’t run into issues finding or accessing the property or any structures. We recommend having a discussion with your local fire responders for specific guidance/requirements, especially in terms of the amount of clearance their vehicles require, but in general, you should:
- Ensure the sanctuary’s address is clearly marked and can be seen at night
- Create multiple access points that can accommodate emergency vehicles
- If entering the sanctuary requires going through a gate, set these far enough back from the road so emergency vehicles have room to pull off the main road to stop and open the gate when possible
- If your property is locked, be sure your fire department has what they need to enter the property (e.g., a key or code)
- Ensure all roads and driveways provide enough horizontal clearance (typically this requires they be at least 12 feet wide)
- Maintain roads so they are free of deep ruts or large bumps
- Make sure any gates vehicles need to go through provide enough clearance and can be opened easily and completely
- Roads and driveways should provide at least 13’6” of vertical clearance (tree branches and overhead wires can impede vertical clearance)
- Maintain trees and other vegetation as needed to ensure proper horizontal and vertical clearance for vehicles
- Make sure any bridges that vehicles may need to cross can accommodate the weight of emergency vehicles
- Avoid dead ends when possible, and when not, provide enough space for emergency vehicles to turn around at each structure
- Provide parking areas so sanctuary personnel and visitors do not need to park along roads or driveways (which could prevent emergency vehicles from being able to proceed)
- Depending on the number of structures and the size of your property, consider providing local fire responders with a basic map of the property ahead of time and using clear signage to label roadways and structures (for example, numbering the buildings both on a map and with clear signage for easy identification)
Ensure Proper Placement And Upkeep Of Fire Extinguishers
With proper training (more on that below), fire extinguishers can play an important role in responding to a fire that has just started. Be sure to check in with your insurance company and local fire department for specific guidance about local codes or insurance requirements, but in general, you should:
- Have an ABC fire extinguisher (minimum of 5 lbs, but ideally 10 lbs) near every exit, in the middle of long aisles, near panel boxes, and within 50 feet from any point in the structure (this applies to all resident housing, workshops, and maintenance or storage areas, etc.)
- Use clear signage to denote the placement of fire extinguishers
- Have designated personnel visually inspect fire extinguishers monthly (and keep records of these inspections) to ensure extinguishers are:
- In their designated locations
- Are visible and/or have clear signage
- Are unobstructed and accessible
- Are full, and the pressure gauge is in the operable range
- Schedule an annual inspection by a certified professional on an annual basis
- Have fire extinguishers recharged after being discharged (even if only partially discharged and not yet empty)
Look Into Fire Detection And Mitigation Systems
All the planning in the world does you no good if no one is around to detect the fire as soon as it starts. Depending on the size and layout of your sanctuary, the level of human presence, and the time of day, a fire may engulf an entire building before anyone notices. Therefore, we recommend the following:
- Consult with a fire detection expert to determine what type of fire detection system (e.g., smoke, heat, or flame) is most appropriate for your structures (and discuss how likely it would be for each type to be triggered by things like dust or other environmental conditions in the space, creating a false alarm)
- Have detection systems professionally installed to ensure proper location and setup
- Opt for systems with alarms that directly alert the fire department and are loud enough to be heard from a distance, to ensure sanctuary personnel are alerted even if they are not in the immediate area
- Discuss the feasibility of installing a fire mitigation system (such as a sprinkler system) with a professional
Make Sure Each Structure Is Evacuation Ready
Be sure to plan ahead to ensure folks can quickly and easily evacuate a structure in the event of a fire. Keep in mind that visibility could be impeded by smoke, and the power may cut out. To facilitate a safe and efficient evacuation, you should:
- Ensure all exits are clearly marked
- Consider installing emergency lighting to make an evacuation easier during a power failure
- Keep all exits and aisles clear
- Ensure all doors and gates are in good working order (and create protocols for personnel to quickly report issues and have them addressed)
- Avoid using latches on doors that can only be opened or closed from one side of the door (this can not only slow down evacuation efforts, but could also cause someone to become trapped in the structure)
- Avoid blocking exits and pens if bringing vehicles or equipment into structures
- Consider what supplies are necessary to quickly move residents out of the space (e.g., halters) and store these in a designated area in the structure
- Make sure resident counts are posted and up-to-date
- Identify at least one area where evacuated residents can be temporarily housed immediately after evacuation (ensuring they will not be in the way of fire crews)
- If residents must be closed inside for their safety overnight or at any other point, consider how you can make it easier to access them if evacuation is needed
- If doors are locked due to other safety concerns, be sure to consider how to still ensure a quick evacuation (for example, can you hide a key nearby that all personnel know about?)
Create A Fire Emergency Action Plan
It’s important to create a written fire emergency action plan that includes pertinent contact information, maps, and protocols and procedures personnel should follow. We recommend asking if someone from your local fire department would be willing to review your written plans to identify areas that may benefit from improvements. Once your plan is finalized, be sure to share it with all sanctuary personnel and have it easily accessible to all. This plan should be reviewed at least annually (and after any major changes such as the construction of a new building) and updated as needed.
Your fire emergency action plan should include the following:
- The sanctuary address (make sure all sanctuary personnel know this!)
- Important contact information* (i.e., sanctuary manager, live-in staff, neighbors, veterinarian), and you might want to create a phone tree to ensure everyone who needs to be contacted is
- A map of the sanctuary that clearly shows
- All structures, roads, driveways, and water sources
- Which structures house animals, and what species they are
- Where heavy fuel loads are located
- Where accelerants or other hazards are located
- Maps of individual structures that clearly show the location of exits, gates, lofts, etc.
- Procedures personnel should follow if smoke or a fire is detected
- An evacuation plan for each structure that houses residents and a detailed evacuation procedure
- A list of accelerants that are on the property, their quantity, and where they are located
Ensure Sanctuary Personnel Are Properly Trained
To ensure a quick (and appropriate) response from sanctuary personnel in the event of a fire, proper training is crucial. This includes the following:
- Conduct annual fire safety training for all sanctuary personnel
- Make sure everyone is trained to use fire extinguishers
- Review the contents of the fire emergency action plan so everyone is aware of protocols and procedures
- Review the type of information that needs to be provided in a 911 call reporting a fire and consider offering examples and/or asking personnel to practice (a call to 911 should include the sanctuary’s address and exact location of the fire, the type of structure affected, the species and number of animals in the structure, if applicable, information about other things present in the structure, such as vehicles or flammables, and any conditions that could impede vehicle access)
- Ensure all personnel are aware of common fire hazards and warning signs and know what to do if found
- Incorporate fire safety training into your onboarding materials for new personnel
- Hold practice drills and evacuations
While the threat of a structure fire is a terrifying prospect for any animal sanctuary, taking proactive steps toward prevention, mitigation, and preparedness can significantly reduce the risk of a catastrophe. By identifying and addressing the leading hazards and taking steps to ensure a quick response in the event of a fire, sanctuaries can create a much safer environment for their residents. To help you in this process, we plan to release an accompanying fire safety workbook, so stay tuned!
SOURCES:
Barn Fire Safety Checklist | National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Fire Prevention In Barns | Penn State Extension
Fire Safety For Barns | Markel Insurance
Barn Safety Expert Offers Fire Prevention Tips | East Coast Equestrian
Making Your Horse Barn Fire Safe | Humane Society Of The United States
Barn Fire Prevention | Canadian Farm Builders Association
Fire Protection Guide For Horse Barns: NFPA 150 | USPA Nationwide Security
How To Protect Your Farm From Barn Fires | Farm Bureau Financial Services
Don’t Risk Hay Fires | North Dakota State University Extension And Ag Research News
The Science Behind Hay Fires | Agriculture Victoria
Electric Fence Safety Tips for Landowners and Farmers 2025 | FenceFast
Heated Water Trough Safety | The Horse
Using Portable Generators Safely | OSHA Fact Sheet
Farm Fencing Can Cause Fires | Secura Insurance Companies (Non-Compassionate Source)
