Wildfires affect American farms and ranches, damaging and destroying homes, barns, agricultural production facilities, crops and livestock. Recently we dealt with a major fire in Furnas and Gosper counties. Here are some tips to avoid or minimize fire damage to your property.

Measures include:

1. Install and maintain smoke detectors. Smoke detectors should be installed in barns and buildings and checked at least once a month. Batteries should be changed at least once a year.
2. Develop an escape or evacuation plan and put it into practice. The evacuation plan should also indicate how to transport animals and livestock that could be in danger.
3. Post emergency numbers in a central location, including the fire department, police department, local emergency response coordinator, and others who provide emergency assistance.
4. Place fire extinguishers in all barns, vehicles and tractors. Periodically check the charge of the extinguishers. Throw away damaged or used fire extinguishers.
5. Store fuels, pesticides, drugs and other chemicals in a fireproof enclosure or in a safe place away from heat sources and combustible materials. In the event of a forest fire, these substances must be removed from the premises.
6. Keep barns and building free of trash and other combustible materials such as hay, wood, logs and empty feed bags.

Practice farm and ranch specific fire safety

1. Make sure your farm/ranch has an adequate water supply, such as an irrigation ditch, water tank, cistern or pond.
   a. Keep storage tanks full this spring by turning on solar wells, wind turbines and pipeline-fed tanks. This will help your local fire department have a water source in case of a fire
2. When dry, use caution when operating ATVs, vehicles, tractors and bale loaders in tall, dead grass. Any type of spark or heat source can ignite dried out dead grass.
3. Keep irrigation sources free of combustible materials.
   a. This may justify running the irrigation well to get things wet, especially if a fire is headed your way.
4. Keep farm areas free of weeds, grass and other debris. Keep areas near buildings mowed and trees trimmed to 6-10 feet above ground and keep combustibles away from buildings that could create a fire path in the eave/soffit.
5. Make sure dead trees are removed, especially if they grow near power lines.
6. Park tractors and implements away from combustible materials such as hay bales, haystacks and fuel storage containers.
   a. Have tractors hooked to discs so you can use this equipment to make a firebreak for an approaching fire.
   b. Fill fluid tanks when not in use with water to extinguish fires.
7. Obtain fire insurance for livestock, buildings and equipment.
8. Conduct random but regular inspections and fire drills. Invite the fire department to these drills to minimize confusion during a real event.
9. Keep fuel storage above ground at least 40 feet from buildings.

During a fire

If a wildfire threatens your farm or ranch, always remember that human life should be the first priority, property comes second. Keep in mind, however, that when the firefighters arrive, they may ask you which one to save first, second, third, etc., so determine the order of importance beforehand: livestock, machinery or food.

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If you are trapped in a burning barn or building, practice fire safety:

1. Get out quickly, but safely.
2. Stay low as the smoke rises and cover your mouth with a clean cloth to avoid inhaling smoke and gas
3. Close doors after leaving rooms to slow the spread of fire.
4. If smoke is pouring into the room at the bottom of the door and the door is hot, keep it closed.
5. Open a window to escape or get some fresh air while waiting to be rescued.
6. If there is no smoke under the door and it is not hot, open it slowly to get out.

If you have time to evacuate the animals, proceed with caution. Some animals may refuse to leave, and some may even return to a burning barn or building. Make sure to close the barriers prohibiting access to dangerous areas. When evacuating animals, do not lead them where they will be trapped or in a dead end.

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The consequences of a forest fire can be dangerous. A few precautions should be taken after a wildfire on your property:

1. Stay away from damaged barns and buildings and only return to your property when authorities allow you to do so.
2. Notify the proper authorities if you suspect any hazardous materials have been released in the fire or during firefighting. Post warning signs on contaminated areas.
3. When disposing of certain materials, such as those potentially contaminated with chemicals, check state and local requirements for disposal procedures.
4. Consult with someone from the local State Division of Emergencies Emergency Planning Committee for legal cleanup procedures if necessary.
5. Keep livestock away from contaminated feed or water.
6. Wear protective gear when entering contaminated areas and damaged barns and buildings. Protective equipment includes steel-toed boots, hard hat, respiratory protection, gloves and other protective clothing.
7. Before entering a barn or building, assess the true integrity of the structure. Always turn off electrical and other utilities to the structure until a thorough inspection by a fire marshal or legal authority clears entry.
8. If the decision is made to demolish a building, call in a professional. Professionals will be able to do the job more efficiently and safely.
9. Check with your insurer to find out in advance what is covered for wildfires. Take photos of all damage and inventory all damaged structures, supplies, equipment and machinery. Keep receipts for fire-related expenses.
10. Contact the local agricultural service agency about possible disaster programs that might help you recover.

Animals are particularly susceptible to forest fires, especially those confined to small pastures. After a wildfire, examine all animals exposed to smoke, heat, or burns from a wildfire. You may need to spray the animals with water to cool them down. You may need to humanely euthanize some animals due to the extent of their injuries and follow state guidelines for proper disposal.

Just as you take care of your farm and livestock, be sure to take care of yourself, your family and your neighbors during this time. Resources are available

• Nebraska Rural Hotline: 1-800-464-0258
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or text 741741
• UNL Rural Wellness on the Web – https://ruralwellness.unl.edu

Source: University of Nebraska-Lincoln which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all of its affiliates are not responsible for any content contained in this information asset.