October is National Fire Prevention Month. With so much going on for farmers, ranchers and agribusiness owners during the busy fall season, it's the perfect time to take stock of your fire safety plan.
Fire is one of the most devastating and costly risks facing farms, ranches and agribusinesses across the U.S. Each year, farm fires cause more than $100 million in property losses (PDF), destroying equipment, buildings, crops, rangeland and animals — and in the worst cases, putting the lives of farm workers at serious risk.
The good news? Most farm fires are preventable. In support of National Fire Prevention Month, Nationwide is reminding farmers that the right knowledge, tools and a year-round plan can significantly reduce your fire risk.
Why October is the right time to act
Harvest season means longer hours, more equipment use and drier conditions — a combination that significantly raises fire risk. National Fire Prevention Month is a timely reminder for farmers to review and strengthen their fire safety plans during the busy fall season. Whether you're updating emergency procedures, inspecting equipment or exploring new fire suppression tools, now is the time to make sure your operation is protected.
Where farm fires start
Fire hazards are everywhere in agriculture. Field machinery generate intense heat that can easily ignite dry crop residue or fuel. Stored grain, baled hay and pastureland are all normally dry environments where a single spark can quickly turn into a serious fire. Fuel and chemical storage, along with electrical systems, add further risk before anyone leaves the farmyard.
"A big part of fire prevention is making sure everyone in your ag business knows how and where fires are likely to start," said Nationwide Risk Management Consultant, agronomist and Iowa farmer Derek Hommer. "When farmers know how and where fires typically start, they're far better equipped to stop one before it ever gets going."
Prevention starts with proactive maintenance
The best defense against farm fires is proactive maintenance. Most equipment fires don't happen out of nowhere. They build up over time as debris accumulate, parts wear down and small mechanical issues go unchecked.
Use National Fire Prevention Month as a prompt to revisit these good habits:
- Clean machinery often to remove chaff, dust and debris.
- Inspect bearings, belts and chains regularly for wear.
- Check electrical and fuel systems for damage or leaks.
- Keep charged fire extinguishers on all equipment.
- Follow scheduled service and maintenance for every machine.
"Almost every fire comes down to a heat source meeting a fuel source," Hommer said. "When you keep your equipment clean and well-maintained, you're removing that fuel source before it ever has a chance to ignite."
Build a year-round fire prevention plan
National Fire Prevention Month is a great reminder that strong fire prevention requires year-round attention, not just a once-a-season checklist. A solid plan should include:
- Emergency and evacuation planning (PDF)
- An inventory of combustible materials and where they're stored
- Regular inspections of buildings, machinery and other potential fire sources, including equipment like grain dryers (PDF) that require heat and carry enhanced risk
- Fire safety training and checklists for farm workers, employees and anyone (PDF) who is frequently on your farm
- A plan with your local fire department to ensure water and other resources are available
- Fire detection/suppression tools including smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and sensors
Modern tools that add a layer of protection
Technology is giving farmers powerful new ways to stay ahead of fire risk. This National Fire Prevention Month, consider whether these tools could add an extra layer of awareness and protection to your operation:
- E Fire Ball (EFB). A self-activating suppression tool you can mount near heat sources. When it detects fire, it releases suppressant automatically. Nationwide members can receive a 20% discount.
- FIREBULL from EnforcerOne. An easy-to-use, water-based fire suppression system built for quick response. Nationwide members can receive a 20% discount.
- HAYTECH. Hay temperature probes and a digital platform help monitor for conditions that could lead to a hay fire. Nationwide members can receive a 10% discount.
- PrevTech. Real-time electrical monitoring that provides early warning when components begin to overheat. Nationwide members are eligible for preferred pricing on new PrevTech systems.
- Thermal imaging (Teledyne FLIR). Cameras that detect parts running hotter than normal, helping you catch problems before they spark. Nationwide members can receive a 15% discount on new Teledyne FLIR systems.
"The farmers who fare best are the ones who build in multiple layers of awareness and mitigation," Hommer said. "Each tool you add is one more chance to catch a problem early."
The right insurance coverage is a must
Prevention and protection go hand in hand. In the spirit of National Fire Prevention Month, Nationwide encourages every farmer to pair strong fire safety practices with the right insurance coverage — so that if the unexpected happens, your livelihood is protected and you can get back to business quickly.
Don't wait until it's too late. Reach out to your Nationwide Farm Certified agent today to review your fire safety tools, risk management strategies and insurance coverage. This October, take the time to protect what you've worked so hard to build.