How to effectively manage stored grain fire risks

The following information is provided by Nationwide®, your approved insurance and financial services company.

Stored grain fires pose significant risks to both farm and commercial grain operations, potentially leading to extensive damage and financial loss. This guide offers strategies for effectively managing grain fires to preserve salvage value, ensure worker safety and maintain the integrity of storage facilities.

The impacts of grain fires

Financial impact

Grain fires disrupt operations, leading to decreased profits and increased expenses. While insurance may cover some costs, there are also uninsured costs such as diverted management efforts, equipment costs, lost revenue and potential fines.

Injury or death

Grain fires can cause severe injuries or fatalities due to explosions, burns, suffocation, smoke inhalation and structural collapse. Proper safety precautions and personal protective equipment, or PPE, are essential.

Collateral damage

Grain fires can damage nearby structures and equipment, lead to loss of customers, damage reputation and result in loss of community or financial support.

Recognize Early indicators of grain fires

Upright storage structures

• Smoke: visible smoke from aeration fans, vents or wall openings.

• Smell: A sour or smoky smell suggests out-of-condition grain.

• Rising temperatures: high or rising temperatures in specific areas.

• Elevated CO levels: High carbon monoxide levels can predict hot spots.

Flat storage buildings, grain storage bunkers and ground piles

• Smoke: visible smoke or fire from aeration fans, roof vents or the surface of the pile.

• Smell: a sour or smoky smell from aeration system exhaust points.

• Thermal imaging: Drones with thermal imaging cameras can detect hot spots.

Contain the fire effectively

• Shut off air supply: Cover all aeration ducts and fan openings.

• Avoid pressure buildup: Do not seal the structure in a way that causes pressure to build inside.

• Turn off utilities: Immediately shut off power, gas and other utilities as needed.

• Use water and foam cautiously: These may not always be effective and should be used judiciously.

Notification and reporting

Urgent situations

• Initiate the facility’s emergency action plan.

• Dial 911 and get first responders on the way.

• Account for all workers and assess the need for rescue or treatment of injuries.

• Report the claim to your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Non-urgent situations

• After containment actions, contact your agent or insurance provider to report the claim.

• Notify the local fire chief and a grain salvage contractor if necessary.

Take safety precautions

Grain salvage contractors

They help retain as much good grain as possible from a storage structure affected by fire. They locate, control, manage and extinguish the fire, often coordinating with other entities on-site.

Fire department

The primary objective of the fire department should be to control and prevent the spread of fire until a grain salvage contractor arrives. Upon arrival, they should be made aware of the limitations of using water to extinguish grain fires and the risks of grain dust explosions.

Safety precautions

Be aware of the risks such as explosions, flash fires and hazardous atmospheres. Always use proper personal protective equipment. Do not hesitate to seek professional guidance when needed.

Effective grain fire management requires understanding the risks, recognizing early indicators and implementing appropriate response strategies. By following best practices, grain operators can protect their assets, ensure worker safety and maintain operational integrity in the face of fire-related challenges.

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• How to effectively manage stored grain fire risks