East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is issuing a reminder about arson prevention.
It comes as Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service investigate four barn and hay bale fires on farm locations in Beddingham, Alfriston, Tarring Neville and Litlington, between 2 and 7 November.
The fires have been deliberately set by suspects targeting roadside barns and hay bale stocks. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police either online or by calling 101, quoting serial 244 of 07/11.
Arson prevention advice
David Washington, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Station Manager for Lewes and Barcombe, said:
“While arson attacks on farms and small holdings may be difficult to eliminate completely, a number of simple precautions can increase safety.”
Advice includes:
• Petrol, diesel and other fuels should be stored in secure areas and storage tank outlets should be padlocked
• Hay and straw should be stored separately from other buildings, particularly housing livestock, fuel and machinery
• Fertilisers and pesticides should be kept under lock and key
• Unoccupied areas should be regularly checked to ensure they are safe and secure
• Refused should be disposed of safely and on a regular basis
If you see a fire on your farm
• Call 999 immediately and be ready to give the location of the fire
• Send someone to the farm entrance to direct the fire and rescue service
• Prepare to evacuate livestock should the fire spread
• Prepare to use farm machinery to assist the fire and rescue service
More information can be found at: https://www.esfrs.org/your-safety/arson-reduction/combating-arson-leaflets/
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