Developing a Protocol “Cattle Barn Fire”

Fires on farms with animals still occur annually. The causes of such fires can be many in nature, although a farm’s electrical system may play a specific role in fire causes. Farm fires result in major economic losses and dramatically compromised welfare. If the animals survive at all, there is little chance of recovery, while productivity is significantly affected. These animals will often have to be disposed of early.

Fire prevention through protocols is a key word in modern farm management. One can compare such protocols with the biosecurity plans that deal with animal health. In addition to prevention, attention should be paid to the actions that a farmer and his/her staff can already take themselves to contain an incipient fire until the Fire Department arrives.

This article focuses on causes of fire in farm buildings with cattle, the main risk factors involved, the development of a prevention “protocol farm fire” as well as the development of a “fire action plan”. The veterinary farm advisor can play a supporting role in the development of such protocols, as he/she does already in biosecurity plans.