Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service has over the past few weeks been called to deal with a number of stack fires in the county, all of which have tied up valuable resources for long periods of time.
Craig Campbell, Local Risk Manager with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The guidance provided by the HSE provides best practice advice for the location, size and spacing of stacks.
It has become evident that this guidance is not being followed in a number of incidents, and if anything problems are being compounded by the addition of farm machinery left within close proximity to the stacks.”
By following the HSE guidance the risk of fire and total loss can be significantly reduced.
Other steps which can be of assistance to the Fire & Rescue Service include some pre-planning measures such as :
1) The location of any open water supplies within close proximity to the stack
2) Making sure that any fire hydrants either close to or on the farm land are kept available at all times
3) Do you have or are you able to secure the use of a teleporter to remove bales not involved in fire
4) Avoid building stacks close to, or under overhead power cables
Local Risk Managers within Norfolk Fire & Rescue Service are able to provide further information in relation to your responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, ensuring your compliance.
Martin Barsby, Communications Officer, Norfolk Fire Service, on 01603 819759 or mobile 07919 492313.
E-mail martin.barsby@fire.norfolk.gov.uk.
