The financial impact of farm fires rose by 37%, climbing from £80.4 million in 2022 to an estimated £110.3m last year, despite a 15% reduction in the total number of claims, according to recent figures released by NFU Mutual.

The rural insurer points this increase to the larger scale of fires reported in 2023 compared to previous years, coupled with rising costs for replacement equipment, building materials, and labour.

The data identified electrical faults, lightning strikes, and arson as the leading causes of farm fire claims in 2023.

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Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual’s rural affairs specialist, commented: “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.”

Binns advises farmers to carry out a 'comprehensive farm fire prevention plan', addressing areas such as building safety, livestock management, and regular maintenance and cleaning schedules for machinery. She also stresses the importance of having an evacuation plan to minimise casualties and injuries in the event of a fire.

“Having good insurance in place with values kept up to date is also vital to cover the cost of new buildings, replacement equipment and lost stored crops.” Binns added.

“Keeping an income flowing into the farm following a fire is equally important, which is why business interruption insurance is an essential consideration."

The cost of fires involving agricultural vehicles, separately recorded by NFU Mutual, remained significant at an estimated £37.7m in 2023. This was driven by an increase in tractor fire claims, which rose to £20.4m.

However, the cost of combine harvester fires decreased from £11.1m in 2022 to an estimated £7.4m in 2023, which NFU Mutual attributes to cooler summer temperatures and increased adoption of fire suppression systems.

Louise Nicholls, NFU Mutual’s agricultural vehicle specialist, stated: “For highly vulnerable kit, including combine harvesters, tractors and balers, rigorous attention to maintenance and cleaning is essential. We strongly recommend that farmers fit fire suppression kits to their combine harvesters.

“These systems are very effective in stopping small fires spreading and engulfing the entire machine. NFU Mutual operates a scheme providing premium discounts for up to 15% for approved suppressor and we also provide pre-harvest training workshops for farms.

“These are delivered on-farm by NFU Mutual Risk Management Services Limited, which go through the key hazards that farm workers typically face during harvest season and offer ways fires and accidents can be prevented.”

The report also highlighted regional variations in farm fire costs across the UK. The North West experienced the most significant increase, with costs rising by 549% from £4.4m in 2022 to £28.8m in 2023. Scotland, on the other hand, recorded the lowest farm fire costs in 2023 at £5.9m, a 6.2% decline from the £6.3m reported in 2022.

NFU Mutual risk management services farm fire safety guide:

  • Develop an evacuation plan.
  • Regularly maintain electrical systems.
  • Install fire suppression systems.
  • Keep the premises tidy, as accumulated debris can fuel fires.
  • Be cautious during 'hot work' activities, such as welding or grinding, as sparks can ignite flammable materials.