Fire Safety Training

This February we held a fire safety and training seminar at the farm. Gerry from Master Fire came out on one of the coldest night of the month (15 degrees!) to teach us all how to operate our fire extinguishers.

There are four 10-pound fire extinguishers located in the barn, one at each exit and one on either side of the indoor arena. There are signs above the extinguishers with arrows pointing down to their locations. They are all wall mounted at a comfortable height to 'grab and go.'

Preventing Fires:
There is no smoking in the barn, no exceptions. You make smoke at/in your vehicle and outside the west end of the barn only. All butts are to be fully extinguished and taken with you. Do not leave them in the driveway and do not throw them into any barn trashcan or dumpster.

Important tips to remember when dealing with a fire at our barn:

• Water is always the best choice to extinguish a fire. Use the barn hose, or water buckets if possible. Use water even after you have used a fire extinguisher to make double sure the fire is out.
• Always make sure you have a safe way out, keep an exit to your back at all times.
• If the fire is large (use your best judgment), call 911 before starting to fight the fire, or have someone call for you.
• Never turn your back on a fire, even if you think it is out. Back away from it, to an exit, keeping your eye on where the fire was. It can spring back up very quickly.
• Be extra careful of a fire in straw or hay. The fire can smolder and be nearly undetectable; Spread out the hay or straw and soak thoroughly with water.
• Always tell Martin or Heidi if you have used a fire extinguisher so that it can be recharged immediately.

Fire Extinguisher Operation
P - Pull the pin from the handle
A - Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire, standing back approximately 10 feet.
S - Squeeze the handle, it may take some force
S - Sweep the spraying nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire.