Top 9 Fire Hazards at Equestrian Premises

Equestrian yards are full of potential fire risks — from flammable bedding to faulty electrics. Whether you're a yard owner, manager, or groom, knowing what to look for can save lives, protect your horses, and prevent serious damage.

In a panic, people make mistakes — and horses are hard to move fast in smoke or flames. If you have no fire safety training or plan in place you're taking a big risk, and quite probably falling foul of legal requirements for fire saftey in the UK.

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, a fire risk assessment is a legal requirement for all non-domestic premises, including workplaces, rental properties, and public buildings. The law requires the assessment to be carried out by a "competent person" who understands fire safety. It is recommended that a suitable professional with fire safety and fire risk assessment experience is enlisted. 

It's also important to take steps for fire prevention, including:

• Training all staff and liveries on emergency procedures.
• Runing regular fire drills.
• Ensuring escape routes and emergency contacts are clearly displayed.
• Making sure EVERY member of staff - inlcuding freelancers knows the evacuation plan, who to call and what to do in a fire.

Here’s your go-to checklist of the most common fire hazards and how to manage them effectively.

Hay and Straw Storage

Why it’s a risk: Dry, dusty, and highly flammable — hay and straw are one of the biggest fire risks on any yard.

Prevention tips:

• Store in a separate building if possible.
• Keep away from light fittings and machinery.
• Allow ventilation to prevent heat build-up.
• Avoid stacking damp hay (spontaneous combustion risk).
• Ensure your muck heap is sited well away from buildings.
• CHECK: Is hay stored neatly, off light fittings, and away from heaters or sockets?

Electrical Faults

Why it’s a risk: Damaged wiring, overloaded sockets, or outdated systems can spark fires quickly.

Prevention tips:

• Get a qualified electrician to inspect wiring regularly.
• Don’t overload circuits or use dodgy extension leads.
• Switch off all non-essential equipment at night.
• CHECK: Are plugs warm to touch? Any frayed wires or buzzing noises? Report issues immediately.

Smoking

Why it’s a risk: Discarded cigarettes near combustible materials, such as hay and bedding, can ignite rapidly.

Prevention tips:

• Ban smoking anywhere on your yard.
• Provide a designated smoking area with sand buckets or bins well away from the yard.
• CHECK: Are cigarette butts left in risky areas? Are signs visible?

Machinery and Vehicles

Why it’s a risk: Engines and fuel tanks generate heat and may leak flammable substances.

Prevention tips:

• Store away from stables and bedding.
• Keep fuel in a secure, ventilated container.
• Service vehicles regularly and clean engine bays.
• CHECK: Are quads or tractors parked safely and not leaking fuel?

Portable Heaters and Lamps

Why it’s a risk: These can fall, overheat, or come into contact with combustible material.

Prevention tips:

• Use only yard-safe, PAT-tested equipment.
• Never leave heaters unattended.
• Keep at least a metre away from hay, bedding, or rugs.
• CHECK: Are heaters positioned safely? Is anything drying too close to a heat source?

Tack Rooms and Electrical Appliances

Why it’s a risk: Dehumidifiers, kettles, and fridges are often left running in confined spaces.

Prevention tips:

• PAT-test all appliances annually.
• Switch off non-essential equipment overnight.
• Don’t use domestic appliances in barns or stables.
• CHECK: Is everything turned off before leaving? Any strange smells or sounds from appliances?

Spontaneous Combustion

Why it’s a risk: Wet hay or oily rags can heat internally and self-ignite.

Prevention tips:

• Store hay only when properly dried.
• Dispose of oily rags in metal bins with lids.
• Monitor heat in large haystacks.
• CHECK: Are stacks warm to the touch? Are rags or wipes thrown out safely?

Poor Housekeeping

Why it’s a risk: Cluttered yards with blocked exits or messy feed rooms slow down evacuation.

Prevention tips:

• Keep escape routes and fire exits clear.
• Don’t allow clutter to build up in tack rooms or corridors.
• Sweep away bedding and shavings regularly.
• CHECK: Are aisles clear and clean? Are fire extinguishers easily accessible?

Lack of Fire Extinguishers or Equipment

Why it’s a risk: Without the right equipment, even a small fire can spread uncontrollably.

Prevention tips:

• Fit extinguishers near exits and in high-risk areas.
• Make sure they’re inspected annually.
• Train staff and liveries on how to use them.
• CHECK: Are extinguishers present, accessible, and tagged with inspection dates?

Fire Safety Starts with Awareness

Every member of your yard team plays a part in fire prevention. Grooms are often the first to notice something unusual — from a damaged wiring to an odd smell. Encourage a safety-first culture and encourage your staff to report safety concerns before they become incidents. 

Book a fire risk assessment with IMG

IMG have a dedicated specialised service for equestrian environments. We understand the real-world risks that come with running a yard — and we assist you with understanding how to make improvements before they become a problem.

• Full site inspection
• Hazard identification
• Action plan tailored to your yard
• Help with compliance under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) and The Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006
• Peace of mind for you and your team

>> Book your professional fire risk assessment with IMG today and make sure your yard is safe, compliant, and protected.