Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service is offering the service to NFU members after a worrying increase in farm fires in the county.
In just one year from April 2016, 45 of the 93 farm fires attended in Hertfordshire were caused by arson.
Alongside the free safety check, the fire service has produced a Farm Fires information booklet. This has advice on how farmers can minimise the risk of arson attacks.
NFU County Chairman Stuart Roberts was one of the first NFU members to have a Farm Safe check on his farm. An operational fire crew from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service spent almost an hour looking around his farm near Harpenden, assessing the risks and giving Stuart advice on how to reduce them.
Stuart said: “The figures show that arson is a real threat to rural homes and businesses in Hertfordshire.
“I would urge NFU members to read this booklet and take advantage of this free service. Just an hour of your time could help save your property – and, more importantly, save lives as well.”
Questions asked during the visit included the location of fuel tanks and straw stacks, whether any dangerous chemicals were stored on farm, the security systems in place and the availability of water from fire hydrants and open water supplies should a fire occur.
One suggestion made was for each farm to include vital information for the fire service, such as, a basic plan of the farm showing buildings, water supplies, and livestock locations, in a red emergency plans box. These are specially designed, secure storage boxes that can be placed by the farm entrance. Fire personnel can open them with a standard fire brigade key in the event of an emergency.
St Albans Watch Commander John Hudnott said: “When we turn up in the event of a fire, it’s essential that we know where everything is. Access to water is one of the major problems – knowing where the nearest hydrant is and obtaining adequate water pressure to fight any fire.”
He urged farmers to review their fire risk on a regular basis.
Watch Commander Julie Springett from the Fire Prevention team said: ‘’We are inviting farmers to get in touch to book a visit.
“Rural fires, and rural crime in general, are something we take very seriously. Working together with farmers and the local police helps us tackle arson and rural crime.’’
NFU members wanting to book a free Farm Safe arson awareness check should email SnVsaWUuU3ByaW5nZXR0QGhlcnRmb3Jkc2hpcmUuZ292LnVr