NFU Mutual has said farm fires were larger-scale and costlier in nature, sparking calls for farmers to review and update fire prevention measures. It has speculated the rise, up from £80.4m in 2022, could be down to larger-scale fires being reported, as well increased costs for replacement equipment, building materials and labour.
There was a 15% fall in the number of fire claims involving growing crops, buildings and farm equipment reported to NFU Mutual in 2023.
The main causes of farm fire claims were electrical faults, lightning strikes and arson attacks.
The cost of agricultural vehicle fires, which are recorded separately by NFU Mutual, remained high at an estimated £37.7m in 2023, driven by a rise in the cost of tractor fire claims to £20.4m.
There was a welcome fall in the cost of combine harvester fires however, down from £11.1 in 2022 to an estimated £7.4m in 2023, which the rural insurer has attributed to lower summer temperatures and industry calls for farmers to install fire suppression systems.
‘Significant financial and emotional toll’
Responding to the news, NFU Deputy President David Exwood said the report “highlights the significant financial and emotional toll farm fires continue to take on the farming community”, and serves as a “stark reminder” of the importance of fire prevention measures.
“This alarming increase demonstrates the urgent need for farmers to review their fire prevention measures.
“From maintaining machinery to implementing fire suppression systems, taking proactive steps can help protect farm businesses from such costly and devastating events,” he added.
Read: Fire safety – 5 practical tips for preventing fires on farm.
“This alarming increase demonstrates the urgent need for farmers to review their fire prevention measures.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
Regional breakdown
Farm fire figures also fluctuated across the UK, with cost rises in the North West (up 549% to an estimated £28.8m) and South West of England (up 82.8% to an estimated £19.1m) while the East and the South East saw a decrease, down 26.5% and 19.9% respectively.
| Region or County | 2023 cost | 2022 cost | % change |
| East | £10m | £13.6m | -26.5% |
| Midlands | £12.3m | £10.2m | +20.7% |
| North East | £12.9m | £12.5m | +2.9% |
| North West | £28.8m | £4.4m | +549% |
| Northern Ireland | £5.4m | £4.3m | +27.8% |
| Scotland | £5.9m | £6.3m | -6.2% |
| South East | £9.8m | £12.2m | -19.9% |
| South West | £19.1m | £10.4m | +82.8% |
| Wales | £6.1m | £6.2m | -2.6% |
| Total | £110.3m | £80.4m | +37.3% |
Figures rounded to the nearest £100,000
NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist Hannah Binns said: “A major fire is one of the most devastating things that can happen on a farm. As well as putting the lives of farmers and their families at risk, the impact of a fire can disrupt farm businesses for years.
“A lot of farms today frequently have larger quantities of flammable straw and other crops often stored close to tractors and other high-value equipment, so doing everything possible to reduce the risk of a fire breaking out is so important.”
Hannah recommends a comprehensive farm fire prevention plan, covering buildings, managing livestock, maintenance and cleaning schedules for machinery as key measures farmers can undertake to minimise the risk, as well as a robust evacuation procedure for if a fire does break out.
If a fire breaks out:
NFU Mutual gives the following advice:
- Call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately
- Make sure everyone is made aware of the fire and evacuate people to a safe location as per your emergency plan
- Only attempt to fight the fire if it is safe to do so and using the correct and maintained extinguishers
- Prepare to evacuate livestock, but only if safe to do so, if the fire spreads
- Prepare to use farm machinery to assist the Fire and Rescue Service, but only on their instruction
- Ensure you can direct emergency services to the exact location of the fire e.g. download the ‘what3words’ app which pinpoints specific 3m x 3m locations. Send someone to meet and direct the Fire and Rescue Service to the fire
- Ensure the farm entrance is clearly signed and access kept clear to allow Fire and Rescue Service access.
