Farmers Warned Of Arson Threat

OXFORDSHIRE’S Fire and Rescue Service is warning farmers throughout the county to be on their guard against acts of arson in barns and outbuildings.
Julian Green, Risk Reduction and Strategic Partnerships Officer with the Fire and Rescue Service said:”Although the weather is no longer as hot, farmers? crops and hay barns are still vulnerable. Fires on farms cause devastation and great expense to the local farming industry.
“Farm fires are also very resource intensive for us ? sometimes it takes days to put a barn fire out. This takes away valuable fire cover in the county while our firefighters are involved in these incidents.”

Farmers and other members of the public who need advice or information about fire related issues should ring the central Community Fire Safety Helpline on: 08000 325 999.

County Councillor Ray Jelf, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:”The cost to farmers is high at this time of year because they are bringing in their crops and storing them for winter feed and bedding for their livestock, so their barns are full of valuable produce. Mindless acts of arson can be a disaster for them.”