Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Most horse barns are well aerated, providing a good source of oxygen to spur on a fire.
Fuels for a fire can be gases, liquids, or solids. Propane, gasoline, alcohol, liniments, paints,
hoof dressings, hay, bedding, grain, tack, and combustible building components can all add
fuel to a fire.
FIRE PREVENTION
Fire prevention begins with sound building design and proper maintenance. Strict adheren-
ce to safety practices is essential.
• No smoking in any buildings. Put up signs and enforce the rule with no exceptions.
Provide sand-filled containers well away from the barn for guests to dispose of their
smoking materials.
Spontaneous combustion
For the first 2 or 3 weeks after hay is cut, bacterial action creates heat, especially in
alfalfa and clover. If the temperature of a haystack is more than 150°F, it should be
checked frequently for an increase. If it reaches 175°F, it will likely begin charring.
At 185°F, it should be moved out of the barn, with firefighters present. Often, a stack
will smolder until it reaches the oxygen at the outer edges of the stack, and then it will
explode or burst into flames. Damp bedding or grain can similarly combust spontan-
eously.
