Fire Safety For Farm and Ranch (Roundup photo)

Fire Safety for Farm and Ranch. You can reduce the risk of wildfire on your property.

• Communicate early with fire professionals to coordinate firefighting on your property.
• Keep copies of gate keys and a written list of combinations in a known location.
• Mow grass and trim back weeds around pastures and structures to create and maintain firebreaks.
• Create a fuel-free space around all fuel tanks and structures. Ground all fueling nozzles to avoid sparking a fire.
• Create a safety zone for firefighting equipment and water supply that is clear of combustible fuels.
• Reinforce fences with metal posts.
• Make sure wiring is grounded.
• Check hay bale moisture content often and keep adequate fire equipment on site.
• Use spark arresters and check for dragging metal components on all equipment.
• Create a livestock evacuation plan.
• Ensure proper registration and branding of livestock.
• Have a plan for feeding livestock if grazing land is destroyed by fire.
• Open/unlock gates so livestock can escape flames.
• Hook up your stock trailer early and be ready for an evacuation.