Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Farmer rebuilds after deadly barn fire

Monday, March 20, 2017

Watch for these dangerous conditions in your barn

Photos from Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc., article by Better Farming staff

In the April edition of Better Farming, the Aalbers family of Rosslyn shared their experiences in rebuilding their dairy operation after a fire destroyed their barn and herd. The fire marshal's investigator ruled the blaze accidental, "which means electrical," Peter Aalbers said.

Indeed, electrical failures explain nearly half of barn fires where causes can be determined, according to recent insurance industry and Ontario government research. In order to help reduce the risk of such failures, industry experts suggest conducting periodic inspections of barns for potential dangers.

Some municipal fire departments offer inspections and emergency planning. Insurance companies also work with clients to conduct risk assessments. Alternatively, farmers can borrow and use FLIR (heat sensing) modules from Farm & Food Care Ontario. Farmers may wish to consult a knowledgeable electrical contractor about potential fire hazards.

The photos below identify some potentially hazardous conditions to watch for when conducting inspections. Be sure to consult with industry experts as needed to minimize your risks.

barn wiring

Watch for damage to wiring throughout the barn. Here, the splitters have been corroded and need to be replaced.

breaker panels

Dust and cobwebs can accumulate in breaker panels. These panels should be cleaned periodically to reduce the risk of electrical fires.

light bulbs

Keep a safe distance between lighting and flammable materials like straw. Note, too, the cobwebs on the light bulb.

barn wiring

Monitor all electrical cords, particularly at connections, for overheating. Note the damage on the fan cover.

barn wiring

Be sure to replace all electrical components with parts that comply with safety codes. Here, bolts have been used in place of fuses, which can lead to dangerous conditions.

thermal imaging

Beyond visual inspections for potential fire risks, thermal imaging cameras can be used to examine potential electrical failures. The red and yellow sections indicate warmer temperatures resulting from a loose connection.

Insurance company staff can conduct site inspections with thermal imaging cameras to highlight potential risks in barns. Alternatively, farmers can borrow equipment through the aforementioned Farm & Food Care Ontario program. BF

Current Issue

April 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Lynmark Farms named Master Breeder for 2025

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

The Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society has announced that Lynmark Farms has been named as a herd for 2025. Lynmark Farms is owned and operated by Tim Shearer and Irene Vietinghoff of Norwood, Ontario. They are the third Milking Shorthorn herd to be recognized as a since this... Read this article online

It’s been a while…

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

The () is coming to the Niagara Region this fall, providing a unique opportunity to showcase the community’s agricultural diversity and natural beauty. The annual event is hosted in a different community each year, with this year’s edition the first time in almost 100 years that... Read this article online

Canada Supports Farmers Following Tariffs by China

Monday, March 24, 2025

The Canadian Government has announced a significant proposal to enhance farmer supports under the AgriStability program. The new plan includes increasing the compensation rate from 80% to 90% and temporarily doubling the payment cap to $6 million for the 2025 program year. This proposal... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top