Mechanical or electrical failure is one of the leading causes of barn fires in Ontario.
OMAFRA says the other ones are mis-use of ignition sources or igniting equipment and deficiencies in design, construction or maintenance.
The ministry has produced a booklet called Reducing The Risk Of Fire On Your Farm to help farmers protect themselves from those fires.
OMAFRA's Jacqui Empson Laporte says that booklet includes a checklist she encourages farmers go through on a regular basis around their farm.
That includes regular inspections of electrical equipment and plugs in the barn to make sure they're not corroding.
She says many barns - especially swine barns - are now being built with manure storage under the floor.
She points out that system requires a good ventilation system to avoid the build-up of methane gas that can result in fires.
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Jacqui Empson Laporte says the ministry has put together a booklet called Reducing The Risk Of Fire On Your Farm.
[audio mp3="http://blackburnnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/LAPORTE-Fire-1.mp3"][/audio]
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Empson Laporte says mechanical or electrical failure is one of the leading causes of barn fires.
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Empson Laporte suggests farmers should be taking steps around their barns on a similar regular basis to prevent barn fires.
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