Protecting Your Farm: Staying Ahead of Fire Risks

Protecting Your Farm: Staying Ahead of Fire Risks 

If you’ve spent any time on a farm, you know — it only takes a second for something to go wrong. And when it comes to fires, that second can cost us everything we've worked so hard to build. 

I know this from experience. On Thanksgiving morning many years ago, we lost a barn to fire. One minute everything seemed fine — the next, the entire barn was up in flames. We barely had time to react before it was too late. It's something I’ll never forget, and it’s part of why I’m passionate about helping other farmers protect what they’ve worked so hard for. 

We recently sat down with Matt Ludwig to talk about farm fire safety and what every farm family should know to stay ahead of the risk. 

Where Most Farm Fires Start 

Matt shared that most structure fires on farms are linked to electrical issues or equipment problems. It makes sense — farms are full of combustible materials like hay, dust, feed, and chemicals. If any of those get too close to a heat source, it can be a recipe for disaster.  

One thing many of us don’t think about? Overloaded electrical systems. Farms often grow and add on over the years, but if the wiring doesn’t grow with it, it can lead to dangerous overheating at junctions or inside walls — just waiting for the right moment to ignite. 

How We Can Stay Ahead of Fire Hazards 

Fire moves faster than we do. That’s why prevention isn’t just important — it’s critical. 

One of the biggest ways to protect your farm is to make sure your electrical system is up to the task. It’s easy to overlook this when things seem to be working fine, but overloaded circuits and outdated panels are a real risk. 

We also have to be mindful of where we store combustible materials. Keeping hay, dust, and equipment cleaned up and away from any heat source can go a long way toward preventing fires before they start. 

Fire Safety Tools Every Farm Should Have 

Good tools — and good habits — can help you stay ready: 

- Fire extinguishers. Have them in key places across the farm, make sure they’re charged, and take time to train your family and crew on how to use them properly. I know from another personal fire experience that fire extinguishers are only helpful if people know how to use them. 

- Electrical system monitoring. A company called Prevtech offers technology that constantly monitors the health of your electrical system and sends alerts if it detects a fault. It’s like having an extra set of eyes on your operation 24/7. 

- Hay temperature monitoring. Hay fires are a real threat. Haytech offers wireless probes that monitor hay bales during storage and processing, helping catch overheating before it sparks into something worse. 

Final Thoughts 

Fires don’t wait until we’re ready. I have learned that firsthand. 

And it’s not just barns or farm buildings at risk — fires can happen anywhere, even in our homes. That’s why it’s so important to stay alert, keep up with maintenance, and make fire prevention a regular part of your operation, not just something we think about after it’s too late. 

With the right attention, better equipment, and a few good habits, we can stay a step ahead.  If you haven't taken a hard look at your fire risks lately, maybe now’s a good time to start. It’s a small investment of time that could end up saving your farm — and everything you’ve built for the next generation. 

Stay safe out there. We’re proud to stand alongside you. 

To learn more, take a quick listen to this video with Matt Ludwig, as he goes in to some additional details about fire safety.