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The legal requirements and five steps to a farm fire risk assessment

It’s estimated that fire destroys around 1,700 farm buildings every year in the UK, along with thousands of acres of land. Drier summers add an additional hazard as the risk of wildfires increases.  

In this article, we look at five practical steps you can take to minimise the risk of a farm fire, clarify your legal obligations, and explain how farm insurance can provide support should you need to make a claim.  

Updated: 16.10.26

By Gavin Dearsley

Farm fire risks

Yes. By law, all workplaces must carry out a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and ensure it is recorded in writing. You must also put general fire safety precautions in place. 

Failing to meet your obligations under fire safety regulations can lead to a fine or conviction.  

Who is responsible for completing the assessment? 

Risk assessments should be carried out by the ‘responsible person’ such as: 

  • Employers 

  • Premises owner 

  • Landlord 

  • Occupier 

  • Anyone else with control of the premises (including building or facilities manager) 

If the responsible person doesn’t have the required expertise or time to carry out the assessment, they should appoint a ‘competent person’ to complete it on their behalf. More information on this below.  

All employees and farm tenants are expected to take responsibility for minimising fire risk and follow fire safety rules. 

Can I conduct a fire risk assessment myself? 

If the risk of fire is minimal or the circumstances are relatively straightforward, then you can carry out assessments yourself.  

That said, farms and farm buildings are often spread across multiple sites and have different risks, for example, buildings that store fertilisers or fields with overhead power cables. For this reason, it’s recommended to appoint a ‘competent person’ to conduct the assessment.  

Who is a ‘competent person’? 

There is no clear definition or specific qualification that makes someone a ‘competent person’. Nevertheless, the person carrying out the fire risk assessment needs to be ‘competent’, with relevant training, experience, and knowledge of fire safety. 

Generally, a dedicated risk management service should undertake this, where an assessor can identify all fire risks and help you fulfil your compliance obligations. 

The five main steps of a fire risk assessment 

There are five key areas to consider when carrying out a fire risk assessment. You can find a detailed checklist here, but the core elements are: 

1. Identify fire hazards: this includes anything that could cause a fire, either as an ignition source or because it’s combustible; for example, electrical equipment, smoking, hay, straw, fertiliser. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides clear guidance about storing hazardous substances, including flammable liquids.  

2. Identify people at risk: as well as employees, contractors, visitors, and family. If you have a farm shop, holiday lets, or campsite, factor in members of the public (especially older people or children who may have mobility constraints). You’ll also need to consider site access for emergency responders. 

3. Evaluate, remove, or reduce the risks: you should consider how you can remove or minimise the risk of a fire, such as keeping fuel, chemicals, and fertiliser securely stored. You should also consider fire hazard signs and invest in fire extinguishers.  

4. Record your findings, prepare an emergency plan, and provide training: compile your fire risk assessment based on your observations. This written record should set out escape routes and how you intend to keep employees and the public safe by preventing or mitigating the impact of a fire.  

It’s also worth keeping exact coordinates of farm locations to hand for emergency services. Apps such as What3Words or OS Maps can be invaluable and help save time in an emergency.  

If your assessment shows gaps (such as a need for more staff training), set clear timescales for addressing them. 

5. Review and update your fire risk assessment regularly: your assessment should be regularly reviewed.   

How often do you need to complete a fire risk assessment? 

You should carry out your farm fire risk assessment at least annually. If there have been any significant changes to your farm, or an incident or a near-miss, you should also review and update your assessment accordingly.  

How much does a professional fire risk assessment cost? 

Cost depends on the complexity and size of your farm, but it’s likely to be a small price to pay compared to not carrying out your fire risk assessment properly. To find out more about the cost of a fire risk assessment for your farm, speak to our team on 01603 967900.   

An incomplete or inadequate assessment can invalidate any insurance you have and result in a fine from the Local Fire and Rescue Authority. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can also impose fines for work process fire safety breaches. Minor fines can be up to £5,000, but there’s no upper limit for serious breaches. Prosecution can also lead to a prison sentence. 

If taken to court, fines are based on a combination of culpability (how responsible someone is) and the risk of harm caused.  

Fines are calculated based on your business's turnover. For example, in cases where fire safety is deliberately disregarded with a high level of harm, fines can range between:  

Turnover or equivalent

Fines for very high culpability and highest risk of harm

Less than £2 million

£150,000-£450,000

Between £2 million and £10 million

£300,000-£1,600,000

Between £10 million and £50 million

£1,000,000-£4,000,000

£50 million and over

£1,600,000-£10,000,000

You can find more information about how culpability and harm are measured and potential fines at the Sentencing Council. 

What are the main causes of farm fires? 

The main causes of farm fires include: 

  • Arson and vandalism – you can minimise the risk with CCTV, motion sensor lighting, electric fencing, and strong locks.  

  • Machinery and hot works – welding, grinding, or overheated vehicles and machinery all risk starting fires.  

  • Electrical failures and faults – check wires for wear and tear from age and for damage from rats or other pests. 

  • Spontaneous combustion – drier, hotter summers increase the risk, as can incorrectly stored hay. 

Your assessment should identify these risks and highlight how to mitigate them. Overall awareness of fire safety management also helps lower and manage risks. Simple, practical tips include: 

  • Ensuring fire extinguishers are regularly checked and are readily available. 

  • Making sure cigarettes are disposed of safely.  

  • Having easily accessible water supplies. 

  • Clearly signposting exits. 

  • If you provide camping facilities, guests should be given clear guidance on campfires. Camp areas should also be monitored and checked.  

How farm insurance protects your livelihood 

Even with the most comprehensive risk assessments in place, you can’t plan for the unexpected, but farm insurance can help cushion the financial blow. As specialists in agricultural policies, we can take you through what you should consider and set out options based on your specific farm business needs, including: 

Bear in mind that, like all insurance policies, you’ll be expected to meet certain conditions, for example, limiting stack height for hay and straw bales. Not meeting these conditions can invalidate your policy, and your claim may be rejected. 

Tailored support for peace of mind

We’ve been supporting agricultural businesses for decades, providing tailored risk management support and policies that reflect the realities and challenges of modern farming. To discuss farm insurance or learn more about our risk management services, call a member of the team.

Speak to us:  01603 967900
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