A sharp rise in farm fires has prompted leading rural insurer NFU Mutual to call for farmers to check their fire prevention and evacuation procedures.

NFU Mutual’s claims statistics reveal that the cost of farm fire claims rose by an alarming 14% to £47.9m in 2015.

• NFU Mutual farm fire claims totalled £47.9m in 2015

• Electrical faults most common cause of farm fires

• Farm fires threaten lives of farmers and livestock

The most common cause of farm fires was electrical faults, which were responsible for almost half of 2015 fire claims. Arson and mechanical faults were the next most common causes.

The statistics reveal that South of England and East Anglia were the worst affected regions in 2015 followed by North East England with North West England in third place.

"Fire remains one of the greatest hazards to the lives of farmers and with claims peaking in August and September, it’s important to be alert to the risks and have plans prepared and shared with family members and staff,” said Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist.

“The scale of these claims shows how important it is to take all possible steps to prevent fires breaking out, and to have clear plans to evacuate people and livestock safely in the event of a fire. Also, it’s vital to make sure you have the right sort of fire extinguishers maintained in good order so you can fight small fires safely.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services provides a long-established face-to-face risk management consultancy service. It is extensively used by large farms and rural businesses to manage the risks in their businesses – including fire.

The company also provides an online service to help smaller farms – typically with a workforce of up to three people – actively manage the risks in their businesses and comply with health and safety legislation.

NFU Mutual farm fire claims cost by region 2015

South/East £10.6m

North East £13.1m

North West £5.9m

Midlands £4.9m

Scotland £6.3m

Wales £3.7m

Northern Ireland £3.4m

NFU Mutual Farm Fire checklist

Fire Prevention:

• Ensure there are sufficient fire extinguishers for the size of buildings and that materials stored are inspected and regularly maintained

• Ensure staff and adult family members know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them

• Reduce the risk of arson by fencing-off straw stacks and farm buildings

• Store hay and straw at least 10m from other buildings

• Put in place an evacuation plan for staff and livestock

• Store petrol, diesel and other fuels in secure areas

• Schedule regular electrical safety checks

• Invite your local fire and rescue service to visit to check water supplies and access routes

• Check nfumutual.co.uk for advice on preventing farm fires

If a fire breaks out:

• Call the Fire and Rescue Service without delay

• If possible, send someone to the farm entrance to direct the Fire and Rescue Service to the fire to help save time.

• Prepare to evacuate livestock should the fire spread

• Prepare to use your farm machinery to assist the Fire and Rescue Service