Barn fires are every horse owner’s worst nightmare–one that can bring significant emotional and economic loss. However, the sad fact is that many barn fires could have largely been prevented by applying a few basic principles. The most reliable approach to fire safety is to plan for the worst by having solid procedures in place for fire prevention and adhere to them daily.

Education, awareness, and planning are keys to minimizing fire risk, says Victor MacPherson, district chief of the Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department in Ontario, Canada. “Barn fires still continue to happen though we try our best, as we are lacking the education connection with the property owner,” he says. “The reasons we encounter barn fires result from years of improper setup, poor maintenance, and poor cleaning.”

Fire occurs when a “fuel” and “ignition” source meet. Hay, bedding, and wooden materials are common examples of fuel found on the farm, while improperly cured hay, electrical malfunctions, and carelessness while smoking are common sources of ignition. Simple protection and prevention techniques will help keep these two elements apart.

Data released in 2012 by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management in Ontario indicated $57.6 million in losses in buildings classified under the National Farm Building Code in 2007, notes Ralph Snyder, assistant district chief of the Adjala-Tosorontio Fire Department. This represents a 67.4% increase over the previous year’s loss of $34.4 million due to fire. With the evolution toward large-scale farming and associated farm buildings increasing in value, the financial losses continue to climb