News barn fires
Fewer barn fires and animal casualties
The number of barn fires and animal victims fell sharply last year compared to one year previously. This is evident from the published today (April 21). Stable fires risk monitor 2021 of the Association of Insurers. Last year there were 35 barn fires, in 2020 there were still 54.
In 2019 there were 46 barn fires, in 2018 48, in 2017 49, in 2016 37 and in 2015 (just like last year) 35. Last year there were 6.915 animal victims, compared to 2020 in 108.794 and 2019 in 175.537 . The large difference in dead animals can be explained by the fact that there was no major fatal fire in the poultry sector in 2021. In 2021, 253 goats, 258 cattle and 6.404 pigs were killed in a barn fire.
Elektra was associated with the barn fire in ten cases. Three times last year the cause was heating. Once it was a fireplace or stove that started the fire. Five times it was due to tools and twice from work. The other fourteen times the cause remained unknown.
'Every fire is still one too many'
Minister Henk Staghouwer (Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality) has sent the House of Representatives a letter about the figures. "Obviously I am happy to see that there is a decrease in the number of fires and animal fatalities. However, I would like to emphasize that every fire is still one too many. It is important that the downward trend continues, and the goal Halving the number of barn fires and animal fatalities per sector is achieved by 2026. It therefore remains important to take firm measures."
Before the summer, the minister will provide more information about the progress and planning of tackling barn fires.
Linda van Eekeres
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