Fire officers say a spate of incidents in 2012 cost farmers thousands of pounds in lost crops and machinery. In response they are keen to publicise a range of basic precautions that farmers can take to reduce the risk of arson.
A special awareness-raising leaflet has been produced and this is being made available via local NFU offices. It urges farmers to recognise the risk and take appropriate action.
Three key pieces of advice are flaggd up - remove hay and straw bales from fields as soon as possible after harvest; store fuel and fertiliser securely and regularly inspect remote parts of the farm for signs of damage or trespass.
In the event of a fire farmers are asked to dial 999 and not attempt to tackle the fire themselves; send someone to the farm entrance to help direct fire engines, prepare to evacuate livestock if the fire spreads and prepare to use farm machinery to help if firefighting if needed.
Last year some 1,600 farm buildings in the UK were lost to fire and this is something the Fire Service wants local farmers to take on board. Finally the leaflet urges anyone with any information on possible arsonists to ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.