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Barn Fire Safety Audit

For each item, mark:

RanchSafety Team January 20, 2026 5 min read

Barn Fire Safety Audit Form

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Scoring Instructions

For each item, mark:

  • Y = Yes (compliant)
  • N = No (not compliant - requires action)
  • N/A = Not applicable to this building
  • ? = Needs further investigation

Section 1: Building Exterior

Clearances and Access

ItemYNN/A?Notes
1.1 Vegetation cleared 30+ feet from building
1.2 No combustible materials stored against walls
1.3 Adequate clearance from overhead power lines
1.4 Fire department access unobstructed
1.5 Building address visible from road
1.6 No fuel storage within 50 feet of building

Roof and Structure

ItemYNN/A?Notes
1.7 Roof in good condition (no damage allowing water/debris entry)
1.8 Gutters clear of leaves and debris
1.9 No visible structural damage
1.10 Lightning protection installed (if applicable)
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Section 2: Electrical Systems

General Electrical

ItemYNN/A?Notes
2.1 Electrical panel accessible and unobstructed
2.2 Panel cover in place and secure
2.3 All breakers/fuses properly labeled
2.4 No burned/scorched areas visible on panel
2.5 No double-tapped breakers
2.6 Main disconnect identified and functional

Wiring and Connections

ItemYNN/A?Notes
2.7 All wiring in conduit or properly rated for location
2.8 No visible damaged or frayed wiring
2.9 No splices outside of junction boxes
2.10 All junction boxes have covers
2.11 Wiring protected from animal damage
2.12 No extension cords as permanent wiring

Fixtures and Outlets

ItemYNN/A?Notes
2.13 Light fixtures rated for location (dust-tight, wet location, etc.)
2.14 Bulb wattage within fixture rating
2.15 Heat lamps properly secured and positioned
2.16 GFCI protection where required (wet locations)
2.17 All outlets have cover plates
2.18 No signs of overheating at outlets (discoloration)
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Section 3: Fire Detection and Suppression

Detection

ItemYNN/A?Notes
3.1 Smoke/heat detectors installed
3.2 Detectors tested within past 30 days
3.3 Batteries replaced annually (or per manufacturer)
3.4 Detection system monitored (if applicable)

Fire Extinguishers

ItemYNN/A?Notes
3.5 Fire extinguisher(s) present
3.6 Correct type for hazards (ABC recommended)
3.7 Within 75 feet travel distance from any point
3.8 Mounted at proper height (handle 3.5-5 feet)
3.9 Unobstructed and visible
3.10 Pressure gauge in green "charged" zone
3.11 Last inspection date current (annual professional)
3.12 Pin and seal intact
3.13 No visible damage or corrosion

Water Supply

ItemYNN/A?Notes
3.14 Water source available for firefighting
3.15 Hose available and functional
3.16 Fire department can access water on property
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Section 4: Hay and Feed Storage

ItemYNN/A?Notes
4.1 Hay stored away from ignition sources
4.2 Hay baled at proper moisture (below 20%)
4.3 Temperature monitoring conducted on new hay
4.4 Adequate ventilation around stored hay
4.5 Fire extinguisher accessible from outside hay storage
4.6 No equipment with hot engines near hay
4.7 Electrical equipment separated from hay
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Section 5: Heating Equipment

ItemYNN/A?Notes
5.1 Heating equipment in good condition
5.2 Proper clearance from combustibles
5.3 Thermostat and controls functioning
5.4 Fuel supply properly connected (no leaks)
5.5 Chimney/exhaust clear and intact
5.6 Portable heaters prohibited or properly supervised
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Section 6: Housekeeping and Storage

ItemYNN/A?Notes
6.1 Aisles and exits clear
6.2 No accumulation of dust, chaff, or debris
6.3 Flammable liquids in approved containers
6.4 Flammable storage cabinet (if applicable)
6.5 No smoking signs posted
6.6 No evidence of smoking in prohibited areas
6.7 Trash and debris removed regularly
6.8 No combustibles stored in electrical room/area
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Section 7: Emergency Preparedness

ItemYNN/A?Notes
7.1 Emergency exits marked and unobstructed
7.2 Exit doors open outward (or not blocked)
7.3 Emergency phone numbers posted
7.4 Personnel trained on fire response
7.5 Evacuation route for animals planned
7.6 Halters/leads accessible for animal evacuation
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Audit Summary

SectionTotal ItemsDeficienciesCompliance %
1. Building Exterior10
2. Electrical Systems18
3. Detection/Suppression16
4. Hay/Feed Storage7
5. Heating Equipment6
6. Housekeeping8
7. Emergency Preparedness6
TOTAL71
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Priority Actions Required

Immediate (Life Safety/Imminent Fire Risk)

Item #DescriptionAssigned ToDue DateCompleted

Within 30 Days (Significant Risk)

Item #DescriptionAssigned ToDue DateCompleted

Within 90 Days (Lower Priority)

Item #DescriptionAssigned ToDue DateCompleted
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Recommendations and Notes

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Sign-Off

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Recommended audit frequency: Annually minimum, or after any significant changes