Stored Ag Chemical Fire Safety

Background

• Smoke and vapor produced by some burning pesticides or other agricultural chemicals are highly toxic.
• Burning chemical fumes and smoke may damage or kill plant as well as livestock and human being.

Tips

• Regard any chemical storage area fire as a danger toxic-producing fire.
• Never try to extinguish a stored-chemicals fire without adequate respiratory protection—i.e., a supplied-air device or gas mask equipped with canisters approved for the vapors being emitted OR a self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Keep all persons clear of and upwind of the stored-chemicals fire area.
• Be sure that any inhabited buildings downwind of a stored-chemicals fire are evacuated.