Fire safety is a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being of employees, customers, and the overall continuity of business operations. Fires at equestrian establishments can have devastating consequences, endangering horses, humans, and property. The owners of livery yards and other equestrian establishments therefore need to be alert and understanding of the risk of fire at their premises, with yard owners, their staff and their liveries to be well versed in ways they can protect the yard, and steps that need to be taken if a fire occurs.
Identifying and Reducing Potential Fire Risks
Stable fires are often fast-spreading and can be caused by several factors, and being aware of these risks is the first step to creating a safer stable environment:
Electrical faults: Electrical wiring or equipment is a leading cause of fires. This may be while such equipment is in use, or whilst items are left unattended.
Any portable equipment that is being used on the yard should be appropriately PAT tested for safety. This includes kettles, heating equipment, clippers, and suchlike. When not in use, any such equipment should be left unplugged.
Professionals should be employed to undertake any electrical work on the yard, and regular inspections of electrical set up should be considered to ensure safety and conformity.
Combustible materials: Hay, straw, and shavings are highly flammable and can ignite easily if not properly stored. Yards where these are stored in bulk can provide a particular risk. Hay and other combustibles should be stored in a separate, well-ventilated building to keep fire hazards away from the main yard.
Equestrian buildings generally have quite a lot of combustible materials such as timber buildings, or plastic roofing sheets, which can cause fires to spread quickly. Incorporating fire-resistant materials and a practical layout in the yard design can help reduce risks. Keeping the yard tidy can also reduce combustible materials such as loose hay, bedding and cobwebs.
Human Error: Improper disposal of cigarettes, using sparking tools, or leaving hot equipment near hay can also cause accidental fires. It is important to enforce a strict no smoking policy throughout the yard, and making this very clear in your livery contracts, and with signage on the yard. It is also important to remind liveries about the use of portable electrical equipment on the yard and making sure these are both PAT tested and left unplugged when not in use.
The same rules should apply to any visitors or service providers on the yard such as farriers and freelance grooms.
Arson: Rural businesses such as farms and stables are particularly vulnerable to arson due to their often-isolated location, open boundaries and highly ignitable materials such as hay and bedding.
Boundaries should be protected where possible, and access to restricted areas controlled by security measures. The installation of alarms, security lighting or CCTV can help alert business owners to intruders. Unoccupied areas should also be checked regularly to verify that they are safe and secure.
Planning for an Emergency
Due to the nature of equestrian buildings, fires can often take hold quickly. Considering the yard layout and emergency procedures can help greatly when it comes to getting everyone to safety and dealing with the emergency as soon as possible.
Fire Safety Plan: All yards should have a Fire Safety Plan as standard, and this should be part of a wider Health and Safety Policy. The Fire Safety Plan should be communicated to the staff and livery clients and take into consideration a number of factors such as the evacuation process, suppression systems, and emergency procedures.
Regular fire safety assessments should also be undertaken to ensure that any risks are taken into consideration. Signs should be placed on the yard indicating emergency exits, evacuation plans and muster points.
All staff should be trained on how to handle horses in emergencies, and where possible it is ideal to conduct regular fire drills to practice safe, calm evacuations. It is also an idea to designate roles so that everyone knows their responsibilities if they are on site in the event of a fire, from calling emergency services to helping evacuate animals.
Evacuation: Safe evacuation of equines and horses can be complicated and it’s important to have a clear plan. Ensure there are multiple exits for both people and animals and these should be kept clear at all times. Following the Fire Safety Plan, there should be a clear and defined evacuation procedure.
One of the most important factors is to ensure the ongoing safety and welfare of the equines and this may take some planning. It is unwise to simply throw all horses in a paddock as this may lead to injury, and this would need to be carefully planned to ensure horses are grouped suitably. It is also important to ensure that equines at the highest risk of injury from the fire are evacuated first.
The yard access routes should be kept free of equipment to provide clear routes. Head collars and lead ropes should be kept near to stables for quick access in an emergency. It is also advisable to have both human and equine first aid kits kept externally of risk areas so that these can be easily accessed still in the event of evacuation.
Fire Detection and Extinction Systems:
Installing reliable fire detection and alarm systems, such as smoke detectors and fire alarms, is essential for early detection and timely evacuation. Smoke detectors should be installed in key areas of the yard, ensuring they are connected to a central alarm system or monitored remotely.
Place fire extinguishers throughout the yard and train all staff on their location and proper use. Choose extinguishers that are rated for use on Class A (wood and hay) and Class C (electrical) fires.
There should be readily available access to water in the first instance. It is advisable to have multiple water points on the yard in the form of standpipes or hoses.
Establishing a relationship with your local fire service can make a critical difference in an emergency. They will often come and undertake an inspection free of charge, allowing them to advise you on precautions you can take to reduce risk on the yard.
Insurance and Legal Precautions:
Having the right livery yard insurance and knowing your legal obligations can help protect you financially. Insurance providers will expect businesses to be following safety standards and regulations. Non-compliance with fire safety regulations can result in fines, failed insurance claims or legal action, leading to financial losses and damage to your business's reputation.
You should ensure that your business or property insurance offers adequate cover against any damage or loss caused by fire. It is important to be aware of any requirements from your insurance provider in terms of protecting your business against fire. In any case, it is highly recommended for regular fire safety inspections to be undertaken, as well as fire risk assessments, and for these to be kept on record.
Business interruption insurance is also an aspect that should be considered. Fire incidents can disrupt business operations, leading to temporary or permanent closure leading to a loss of income and negative impacts on business owners and their employees. Find out more in our blog on how equestrian businesses can benefit from business interruption insurance.
Fire safety in stables is a responsibility that all stable owners, managers, and staff members share. With careful planning, awareness, and adherence to safety protocols, the risk of fire can be greatly minimised. Prioritising fire safety not only protects your property but also safeguards the lives of the horses and people in your care and is simply another aspect of responsible yard management.
About the author
Cheryl Johns, SEIB Equestrian Business Writer and the founder of LiveryList and the Yard Owner Hub, is a qualified and experienced yard manager, marketing advisor and business consultant with experience across a range of industries.
About SEIB
SEIB have been arranging livery yard insurance and riding school insurance for over 60 years. This experience allows us to tailor policies to suit your circumstances and ensure that you and your horses are covered should the worst happen.
