Top 10 Fire Hazards in Equestrian Premises – And How to Spot and Prevent Them
Equestrian yards are full of potential fire risks — from flammable bedding to faulty electrics. Whether you're a yard owner, manager, or groom, knowing what to look for can save lives, protect your horses, and prevent serious damage.
Here’s your go-to checklist of the most common fire hazards and how to manage them effectively.
1. Hay and Straw Storage
Why it’s a risk: Dry, dusty, and highly flammable — hay and straw are one of the biggest fire risks on any yard.
Prevention tips:
• Store in a separate building if possible.
• Keep away from light fittings and machinery.
• Allow ventilation to prevent heat build-up.
• Avoid stacking damp hay (spontaneous combustion risk).
• Ensure your muck heap is sited well away from buildings.
• CHECK: Is hay stored neatly, off light fittings, and away from heaters or sockets?
2. Electrical Faults
Why it’s a risk: Damaged wiring, overloaded sockets, or outdated systems can spark fires quickly.
Prevention tips:
• Get a qualified electrician to inspect wiring regularly.
• Don’t overload circuits or use dodgy extension leads.
• Switch off all non-essential equipment at night.
• CHECK: Are plugs warm to touch? Any frayed wires or buzzing noises? Report issues immediately.
3. Smoking
Why it’s a risk: Discarded cigarettes near combustible materials such as hay, bedding can ignite rapidly.
Prevention tips:
• Ban smoking anywhere on your yard.
• Provide a designated smoking area with sand buckets or bins well away from the yard.
• CHECK: Are cigarette butts left in risky areas? Are signs visible?
4. Machinery and Vehicles
Why it’s a risk: Engines and fuel tanks generate heat and may leak flammable substances.
Prevention tips:
• Store away from stables and bedding.
• Keep fuel in a secure, ventilated container.
• Service vehicles regularly and clean engine bays.
• CHECK: Are quads or tractors parked safely and not leaking fuel?
5. Portable Heaters and Lamps
Why it’s a risk: These can fall, overheat, or come into contact with combustible material.
Prevention tips:
• Use only yard-safe, PAT-tested equipment.
• Never leave heaters unattended.
• Keep at least a metre away from hay, bedding, or rugs.
• CHECK: Are heaters positioned safely? Is anything drying too close to a heat source?
6. Tack Rooms and Electrical Appliances
Why it’s a risk: Dehumidifiers, kettles, and fridges are often left running in confined spaces.
Prevention tips:
• PAT-test all appliances annually.
• Switch off non-essential equipment overnight.
• Don’t use domestic appliances in barns or stables.
• CHECK: Is everything turned off before leaving? Any strange smells or sounds from appliances?
6. Spontaneous Combustion
• Why it’s a risk: Wet hay or oily rags can heat internally and self-ignite.
• Prevention tips:
• Store hay only when properly dried.
• Dispose of oily rags in metal bins with lids.
• Monitor heat in large haystacks.
• CHECK: Are stacks warm to the touch? Are rags or wipes thrown out safely?
8. Poor Housekeeping
Why it’s a risk: Cluttered yards with blocked exits or messy feed rooms slow down evacuation.
Prevention tips:
• Keep escape routes and fire exits clear.
• Don’t allow clutter to build up in tack rooms or corridors.
• Sweep away bedding and shavings regularly.
• CHECK: Are aisles clear and clean? Are fire extinguishers easily accessible?
9. Lack of Fire Extinguishers or Equipment
Why it’s a risk: Without the right equipment, even a small fire can spread uncontrollably.
Prevention tips:
• Fit extinguishers near exits and in high-risk areas.
• Make sure they’re inspected annually.
• Train staff and liveries on how to use them.
• CHECK: Are extinguishers present, accessible, and tagged with inspection dates?
10. No Fire Safety Training or Plan
Why it’s a risk: In a panic, people make mistakes — and horses are hard to move fast in smoke or flames.
Prevention tips:
• Train all staff and liveries on emergency procedures.
• Run regular drills.
• Display escape routes and emergency contacts clearly.
• CHECK: Do you know the evacuation plan? Do you know who to call and what to do in a fire?
Fire Safety Starts with Awareness
Every member of your yard team plays a part in fire prevention. Grooms are often the first to notice something unusual — from a damaged wiring to an odd smell. Encourage a safety-first culture and encourage your staff to report safety concerns before they become incidents.
Book a Fire Risk Assessment with IMG
IMG have a dedicated specialised service for equestrian environments. We understand the real-world risks that come with running a yard — and we assist you with understanding how to make improvements before they become a problem.
Full site inspection
Hazard identification
Action plan tailored to your yard
Help with compliance under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and The Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
Peace of mind for you and your team
Ready to take the next step?
Book your professional fire risk assessment with IMG today and make sure your yard is safe, compliant, and protected. Call Jane 07743 198414 or jane.patching@influentialmg.com
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