Transcript Farm Fire Prevention, Educating Farmers to Reduce the Risk of Fire

Farm Fire Prevention
Educating Farmers to Reduce the Risk of Fire
R. Nottingham, J. Timmons, J. Rhodes
University of Maryland Cooperative Extension
M. Stevens, MD Deputy State Fire Marshal
Abstract
Farm related fires cause millions in damage each year in property damage across the
United States. In addition to financial damages, personal injury, or loss of life may
occur. It is estimated that combine fires alone account for 10.5 million in property
damage each year. The harvest season of 2007 brought extremely dry conditions to
the Mid-Atlantic states with a not surprising corresponding increase in farm related
fires. In response, Extension Agents from the University of Maryland in cooperation
with the local fire marshal’s office began the development of a series of fact sheets
designed to educate farmers on the factors that lead to the increased risk of fire. By
eliminating or reducing risks factors that lead to farm fires, it is hoped that fire risk
will decrease. Currently, two fact sheets have been developed for dealing with
specific fire threats: Preventing Combine Fires, and Preventing Fires in Manure
Storage Structures. The resources developed have been distributed throughout
Maryland to each County Extension Office and Research Center and to many
adjoining states, and have been adapted into training classes and farmer meetings
where appropriate targeting specific groups at high risk for fire.
Impact
2008 Pilot Program
In 2008, a fire prevention program
was initiated in a series of five
Poultry Grower Informational
Meetings on the Eastern Shore of
Maryland. A survey of attendees
indicated that 96% found the
information presented useful and
as a result they expect to
implement changes in their
farming operation to reduce the
risk of fire.
Addressing Future
Needs
Plans for 2009 include expanding
the pilot program in Maryland to
other counties and farming
operations, and to Delaware.
Additional fact sheets are under
development to be added to
resources available to reduce the
risk of farm related fires.