Given that this is the time of year when hay and straw bales can be seen in the fields and following a recent incident Devon Fire and Rescue Service and the Police wish to remind people about farm safety. In the recent incident, following a fire in the undergrowth, which is being treated as suspicious, several large round bales had been rolled down a hill, damaged a fence and ended up in a pond. These bales are extremely heavy and if a child were to be hit or run over by one, they could be seriously injured or even killed. Station officer Keith Pascoe, Devon Fire and Rescue Service?s arson reduction officer, said: ?Playing with fire in and around hay fields, especially in this hot dry weather could result in a large fire, with possibly serious consequences. ?Parents are asked to teach their children about the dangers of lighting fires anywhere, but especially in undergrowth and around farmland.? PC Sharon Newman of Devon and Cornwall Police said: ?Arson is a very serious offence and it is treated as such because lives are always in danger when fire is involved. ?There have been incidents in the past of people being injured by these large bales. ?The problem is that they are so heavy that they soon build up speed if pushed down a slope, and if a child slipped in its path they would be seriously injured. ?We don?t want to be killjoys but parents must know what their children are doing and more importantly where they are.? Sub-officer Janet Booth, press officer for Devon Fire and Rescue Service adds: ?Every year in the UK, 1,700 farm buildings and 66,000 acres of grassland are destroyed by fire. ?Over half are started deliberately as an act of mindless vandalism, in which such a serious fire can affect the financial stability of even the most well run farm. Of these it is estimated that approximately forty per cent never trade successfully again. ?Farms are particularly vulnerable to arson. Their isolated location, open boundaries and readily ignitable hay and straw make them an easy target. ?While arson attacks on farms and smallholdings may be difficult to eliminate, a number of simple precautions can substantially reduce the risk of attack.? By following this checklist, you can eliminate or reduce the likelihood of an arson attack on your farm. l Hay and straw should be removed from fields as soon as possible after harvesting. l Hay and straw should be stored: l Separate from other buildings, particularly those housing fuels, agrochemicals and machinery l In stacks of reasonable size, spaced at least ten metres apart. l Separate from livestock housing: l Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas and storage tank outlets should be padlocked l Fertilisers and pesticides should be kept under lock and key l Refuse should be disposed of safely and on a regular basis. A quick and simple survey will identify areas where an arsonist could strike. If there are certain areas you are unsure about, ask your local crime prevention officer, fire safety officer or insurance advisor for assistance. Remember: Report all incidents of fire and anyone acting suspiciously to your local police or make use of the Crime stopper number. 0800 555 111.
