Farmers and rural businesses need to be alert to the risk of fire on their land whether it is prescribed burning, using chainsaws, or other machinery. Including fire protection in business plans that can help farmers identify and manage the risks.

Farm and Land Operations

Fires can start from the smallest spark, so everyone needs to know the safety requirements if using machinery when the Fire Danger is Very High or Extreme.

Fires can start in dry vegetation from slashers or mowers hitting stones, or exhausts when driving through or parking in stubble or long, dry grass.

When the Fire Danger is Very High to Extreme:

• stop using welders, chainsaws, slashers and reducing some tractor operations
• ensure diesel trucks with exhausts higher than the cab have spark-arrester shields fixed to the exhaust when carting hay
• harvester operators are aware of the conditions outside their air-conditioned cabs
• pay special attention to checking your machinery's bearings and moving parts
• carry appropriate fire extinguishers, shovels, or knapsack sprayers during high-fire danger periods.

Prescribed Burn-Offs

Fire is an efficient and economical way of clearing land on farms. It is also important it is contained within the area to be burnt and does not present any danger to life, neighbouring property or the environment.

Farmers and other rural landowners can ensure the burn is effective and safe by:

• knowing their legal requirements
• ensuring the burn is planned and the land prepared
• understanding burning techniques
• recognising safety issues.

To help you plan your burn:

• talk with your local Rural Fire Officer or Fire and Emergency NZ
• visit Worksafe NZ's website: Safer Farms

Farm Business Planning

An up-to-date business plan documents the big picture of where you want your business and your family to be in the future. It also identifies short- and long-term goals to achieving your plan.

How you manage risk is also an important part of a business plan and adds value and reliability to your business.

When developing or updating your farm business plan, make sure you include a plan to protect your home, property, and assets from the risk of fire.

For more information read our Farm Fire Safe document, to help put fire safety into your farm business plan.

Make an Action Plan

Use the results of your action plan to check what you need to action in the future. Include in your business plan the actions you already have in place and the ones you will put in place, as well as the financial cost.

Remember to schedule a timeframe for achieving them, whether they are in the short or long term.

Assess the risk of fire to your farm

Do you know the risk from fire to your farm? Your personalised action plan will help you assess what your risk is and identify the priorities for your business plan.

When assessing the risk of fire to your farm, you will need to consider the risks:

• inside your home
• to your home from vegetation fire
• to your farm buildings and machinery
• during farm operations
• during controlled burn offs.

Planning for wildfire

In a wildfire emergency, you may suddenly evacuate for an extended period with little warning. Prepare and have your evacuation plan ready.

Wire Strike - A Guide for Farmers

Low-level spraying is a frequent occurrence and farmers and agricultural pilots need to work together to stay safe around wires. That’s the message from Worksafe and the Civil Aviation Authority who have developed a fact sheet on how to prevent wire strike – a cause of many agricultural pilot accidents and deaths.

Working near power lines

Power lines carry electricity essential to the daily running of the farm. Electricity should always be treated with respect and care, especially when working near power lines.

Do not light fires under or near lines without first discussing it with Transpower or your network company.