Wildfire and field fire safety for equestrian businesses

Practical guidance for equestrian events and equestrian businesses

While wildfires have traditionally been associated with countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, prolonged periods of hot, dry weather mean they are becoming an increasingly important consideration here in the UK. Grass fires, field fires, heathland fires, and woodland fires can develop quickly, particularly during the summer months.

Many equestrian events and businesses are located in rural areas, often surrounded by fields, woodland, or heathland. Riding schools, livery yards, competition yards, and agricultural showgrounds may therefore be vulnerable if a nearby fire spreads rapidly. Although the likelihood of a fire affecting your premises or event remains low, having a simple emergency plan in place can help protect people, horses and property should the unexpected occur.

Before your event or as part of your business emergency plan

• Monitor weather conditions during periods of heightened fire risk.
• Identify nearby fields, woodland, heathland, standing crops, and areas of long, dry grass that could present a fire risk.
• Ensure emergency vehicle access routes are kept clear at all times.
• Identify more than one evacuation route for people, horses, and vehicles where practicable.
• Brief staff, volunteers, and stewards on emergency procedures.
• Ensure there is a reliable method of communicating with staff, competitors, liveries, and visitors.
• Keep emergency contact details readily available, including the Fire and Rescue Service, your veterinary practice and first aid providers.
• Consider where and how horses could be moved safely should evacuation become necessary.

If a nearby fire occurs

Remain alert for signs of smoke, flames, or falling ash.

If a nearby field fire, grass fire, heathland fire, or woodland fire threatens your premises or event:

• Call 999 immediately and request the Fire and Rescue Service.
• Follow the advice of the emergency services at all times.
• Suspend activities where there is any risk to people or horses.
• Inform staff, competitors, liveries, and visitors calmly and clearly.
• Keep access roads clear for emergency vehicles.
• If evacuation is required, move horses and vehicles in a controlled and orderly manner to minimise congestion.

Evacuating horses

Moving horses safely takes time, so early decisions are important. Where evacuation is necessary:

• Follow instructions from the emergency services.
• Move horses calmly using suitable equipment such as bridles or headcollars and lead ropes.
• Relocate horses to a safe area well away from smoke, flames, and dry vegetation where it is safe to do so.

• Do not release horses loose unless specifically instructed by the emergency services as an absolute last resort.
• Never place people at unnecessary risk in an attempt to rescue animals if conditions have become unsafe.

Help reduce the risk

Simple precautions during periods of heightened fire risk can help reduce the likelihood of a fire starting or spreading:

• For equestrian events, smoking, barbeques, fire pits, fireworks, sky lanterns, and any other naked flames should be prohibited anywhere on the event site.
• For equestrian businesses, smoking should be prohibited wherever possible. Where smoking is permitted, it should be restricted to a designated area away from buildings, hay and straw storage, dry vegetation, fuel, bedding, and other combustible materials. Suitable receptacles should be provided for the safe disposal of cigarette ends.
• Position generators and machinery safely and maintain them in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Park vehicles away from long, dry grass wherever possible, as hot exhaust systems can ignite vegetation.
• Store fuel and combustible materials safely.
• Keep areas around buildings free from excessive dry vegetation where practicable.
• Encourage staff, liveries, and visitors to report any signs of fire immediately.

Remember

Field fires and wildfires can spread quickly, particularly during prolonged dry weather and windy conditions.

The safety of people should always be the first priority, followed by the safe management of horses.

Having an emergency plan, remaining alert to changing conditions and acting promptly can significantly reduce the impact of an incident.

If in doubt, follow the advice of the Fire and Rescue Service and consider early evacuation where it is safe and appropriate to do so.

The information provided above is intended to support your existing emergency procedures and does not replace advice or instructions issued by the emergency services. In the event of a fire, always follow the direction of the Fire and Rescue Service.

Please note that this guidance is intended to provide practical risk management advice and does not form part of your insurance policy. The cover provided, together with any terms, conditions, exclusions and endorsements, will always be determined by your individual policy wording.

If you own a yard or host equestrian events and wish to speak to a member of our team to discuss a quote, or if you are an existing client and have any questions about your cover, please call SEIB on  01708 850 000 or email info@seib.co.uk.

About SEIB

SEIB Insurance Brokers have been providing insurance for Horses for over 60 years. We provide a flexible range of policies, from Horsebox Insurance and Horse Trailer Insurance too. Our experienced team of horse owners are here to help assist you with your equestrian insurance needs.