A firefighting farmer from the north has sounded a warning over the potential dangers of using heat lamps at lambing time.
Stewart Macpherson – who runs Dell Farm at Whitebridge, near Inverness, as well as being a retained firefighter at Foyers on the banks of Loch Ness – says farmers and crofters must be aware of the risks involved with increased use of heat sources in sheds and barns.
“All across the country, especially at this time of year, firefighters respond to fires at farms caused by heat lamps or fan heaters,” said Mr Macpherson.
“Last year, there was a terrible fire that was caused by an unwell calf knocking over a lamp in a barn full of combustible hay bales.
“I’ve been a farmer for a long time, and I am well aware of the critical importance of using a heat sources to warm a new-born lamb to boost its chance of survival.”
He said he was not suggesting that farmers and crofters should stop using heat lamps, but instead urging caution over their use in the coming months.
“I would urge caution, and for anyone using these heat sources to take simple but hugely effective measures to reduce the risk of fire,” added Mr Macpherson.
“For example, you should always ensure any heat sources is secured, is kept away from flammable material, and you don’t leave the heat source unattended with animals. I also always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.”
He said the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) regularly responds to a host of farm-related incidents, from fires and flooding to large animal rescue.
“Farms are especially high-risk of fire, in terms of fuel stores and volumes of combustible materials such as hay and straw,” said Mr Macpherson.
“The consequences can be tragic, with animals killed, and fire can have a devastating impact on your livelihood.”
He said the SFRS has a Rural Risk Project (RRP), which is operational in the Highlands, South Lanarkshire and Dumfries and Galloway.
The RRP is a database outlining any potential risks to firefighters if they are called out to an emergency at a farm.
SFRS local senior office for the Highlands, Rab Middlemiss, urged all farmers and crofters to sign up to RRP.
He said: “The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service exists to save lives, and we will always look to work with partners to ensure the safety of our communities.
“I would urge all farmers and crofters to complete our questionnaire to help ensure our firefighters and control staff are fully prepared with vital information about your land and property.”