Puslinch Fire Chief Urges Diligence from Farmers & Property Owners
A number of recent barn fires in Ontario have resulted in significant loss
of property, including livestock. The emotional and financial impact of a barn fire can be
devastating to the owner, the community and the emergency personnel who respond to
the incident.
The Puslinch Fire & Rescue Services reminds property owners that most farm buildings
are not regulated under the Ontario Fire Code and as such, local fire services have
limited responsibilities with respect to inspections and code enforcement on these
properties.
Fire Chief Steven Goode stresses that fire safety is the owner/operator’s responsibility.
“There are a number of things that property owners can do to help prevent fires and
reduce the risk of fire spreading if one starts.” says Chief Goode.
The following proactive steps can easily be taken to help reduce the risk of fire on farm
properties:
- Prohibit smoking in and around farm buildings;
- Ensure electrical installations and appliances are kept clean and in good working order: ensure all electrical work is performed by licensed contractors;
- Discontinue the use of extension cords and unsafe wiring;
- Perform welding and cutting operations only in areas that are free of combustible materials;
- Store and handle hazardous products according to manufacturer’s recommendations and applicable regulations: mix fertilizers and chemicals carefully in well-ventilated areas, and
- Provide and maintain a clear unobstructed laneway or yard area to each building and access to water supplies that might be required for firefighting;
For additional details on how to mitigate the risk of fire on farm properties, a free
publication entitled Reducing the Risk of Fire on Your Farm is available for download
from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs website at
www.omafra.gov.on.ca. This document includes tips on fire prevention and preventative
maintenance and provides a checklist to assess fire risks in farm buildings.
Owners and operators of farms and agricultural business properties with further
concerns about fire safety should contact their local fire department to discuss options to
identify and reduce fire risks.
For more information contact:
Jason Benn
Chief Fire Prevention Officer
Tel: 519-821-3010
E: [email protected]
