Firefighters go behind the scenes to find out about farming

First published15 July 2025

A fire engine and tractor outside a grain store (Photo Perry Johnson)

More than 50 firefighters spent time at a Hertfordshire farm to help them prepare for future incidents.

Wallington Farms hosted four farm familiarisation sessions at Bygrave Lodge Farm near Baldock after an approach from NFU County Adviser Josh Redford.

Crews from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service were shown around the farm, finding out all about day-to-day farm operations, potential hazards and the resources available to help fight fires.

Farm Manager Tom Macfarlane said: “The aim was to get the crews familiar with a farmyard setting. Many of them hadn’t attended a call out on a farm before, so it’s an alien environment to them.

“If and when they do go to a farm in future they will know more about it, the equipment we store here, the hazards and the resources that can help.

“Our setting is similar to many farms around here, so this should help all farmers when incidents occur.”

The sessions were arranged as part of the ongoing partnership work between the fire and rescue service, the NFU and local farmers.

Tom said: “There were four sessions in total, although the third visit was curtailed because of an emergency call. I did the intro and then everyone left!”

Fire crews looking at a combine harvester

During the sessions, crews looked at the main potential fire hazards, including the grain processing unit and dryers, the workshop, diesel storage, oxyacetylene and the chemical store.

They also looked at available water resources on the farm, including water bowsers and static water supplies. Details of these have been uploaded to the fire and rescue service database so they can be utilised if a fire occurs.

“They brought the aerial platform, which worked well, putting it up around our dryer, and taking some of us up as well,” said Tom.

“We also looked at a combine, opening panels and showing them where fires could start and how quickly they could spread.

“We have our own water bowser that will be close by when combining. Everything will have fire extinguishers on as well. It’s just being extra careful, especially when it’s so hot and dry.“

We had a really useful discussion as the fire crews went around. No question was a silly question – it was great for them to look around and find out what we do and why we are so busy over a short period of time during harvest.

Tom Macfarlane in a high vis jacket speaking to fire crews

“One thing that came out of it is we are going to get a grab pack that can go at the farm entrances, listing all the hazards such as chemical store, and diesel store, anything relevant to the fire service, plus contact details and water points.

“We’re going to let them check it and then keep it on hand, in case they had to arrive and no one was around.”

Clive Robinson is Station Commander for Stevenage and Royston fire stations. He said the sessions had been extremely useful.

“They provided a valuable insight into the type of incidents crews may attend on farms and it was great to have the opportunity to see the processes, buildings and hazards involved,” he said.

“It was also really useful to look around the combine and to know that in the coming weeks, during harvest, that there would be a bowser nearby when it is operating.

“These sessions were another great example of the improved awareness between fire crews and local farmers.”

  • Photos by Perry Johnson of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service

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