Claire Longman, technical leader at south west insurer Cornish Mutual lists five things farmers can do to reduce the risks of farm fires.

Sadly, each year farm buildings are destroyed by fire, sometimes with significant loss of stock, machinery and livestock. Cornish Mutual generally sees a three-fold increase in claims relating to farm fires in July, August and September. While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, it is important that farmers do what they can to prevent fires.

1. Maintain and regularly check harvesting machinery to ensure it’s clear of debris. If there is any dust or cut grass caught up inside hot machinery, there is a risk it could ignite if it is left overnight.

2. Damp or green hay provides the ideal environment for bacteria, which give out heat that can cause rising temperatures. Bale in dry weather and ideally later in the day to avoid spontaneous combustion.

3. Many farm buildings include very old electrics and some have poor wiring systems. Have electrics checked by a professional electrician every five years.

4. Allow for a change in wind direction when lighting a bonfire and locate bonfires as far away from buildings as possible.

5. Give machinery a thorough clean and servicing before it is packed away for the winter to reduce the risk of a machinery fire when it comes out of storage.

While much of this advice is common sense, it is important for farmers to be reminded of the steps they can take to reduce the risks.