No building is completely fireproof, but farm owners and managers can take certain steps to minimize the chances of a fire occurring. | Photo: iStock

It is a horrific sight: a barn engulfed in flames with terrified horses plunging about inside. It happens time and again at farms and racetracks across the country.

Can barn fires be prevented? Yes, according to extension agents at Pennsylvania State University and other institutions. Basically, they say, no building is completely fireproof, but farm owners and managers can take certain steps to minimize the chances of a fire occurring.

Causes of Barn Fires

There is an old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. However, with barn fires there almost never is a “cure.” Once flames are spotted, it is usually too late. Only if a fire is discovered in the smoldering (burning without flame) stage–which can last a minute or hours–is there a chance to effectively put it out