Barn fires are horrific events, threatening human and hen life and causing significant financial damage. Though the incidence of layer barn fires does not appear to be higher than those in other animal agriculture operations, they generally impact a far greater number of animals. Fire prevention and mitigation measures are crucial to lowering the fire risk on a farm.
Preventing fires is critically important to U.S egg farmers. The UEP Producer Committee for Animal Welfare commissioned a task force of professionals to investigate and recommend best practices for preventing and mitigating barn fires in 2021. This highly qualified team provided diverse expertise in fire prevention, damage mitigation, construction, engineering, risk management, egg production, insurance and animal welfare. After many meetings and extensive research, the task force created and published Fire Prevention and Mitigation on Farm in the Egg Industry.
UEP strongly encourages all U.S. egg farmers to review the Fire Prevention and Mitigation Report annually and implement best practices as needed. Emergency planning, employee training and drills, strict housekeeping policies, equipment maintenance and frequent evaluation of existing layer barns and buildings are essential for fire prevention and mitigation. Planning for new construction remodels, and even minor renovations offer the opportunity to improve electrical systems, heating systems, and manure sheds which are the leading cause of fires.
As on-farm tools and technology continue to evolve and improve, UEP will consult with the Fire Mitigation Task Force and other experts and update the egg industry on new fire prevention and mitigation methods.
