Farm Science Review urges fire safety as Ohio faces worsening drought conditions

LONDON, Ohio - With more than 96% of Ohio experiencing abnormally dry conditions and nearly half the state already in moderate drought, the risk of farm fires is climbing fast - and farmers are being urged to prepare before harvest accelerates. As dry crop fields and heavy equipment converge this fall, even a small spark could lead to devastating consequences for both agricultural operations and rural communities.

That's one reason why fire safety and emergency preparedness will take center stage at the 2025 Farm Science Review, set for Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.

The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), along with Ohio State University Extension, will feature hands-on safety demonstrations and training resources designed to help farmers and first responders prevent and respond to emergencies before they escalate. OSU Extension is CFAS' outreach arm.

"Fire safety on farms is critically important because farms present unique fire risks, and the consequences of a fire can be devastating - not just to the farm, but to the entire rural community," said Dee Jepsen, state safety leader for OSU Extension. "Farm Science Review is a place we can reach farmers, the rural community and the volunteer firefighter community.

"Many farmers also serve on local fire departments."

While this year's field conditions aren't as severe as last summer's exceptional drought, current moisture deficits are making farms increasingly vulnerable. According to the Sept. 9 U.S. Drought Monitor, 96.3% of Ohio is abnormally dry, 46.9% is in moderate drought and 2.2% is in severe drought - dramatically raising the risk for field, combine and forage fires.

That's why CFAES is urging farmers to be proactive.

Jepsen recommends checking that all field equipment and pickup trucks are equipped with charged fire extinguishers, positioning water trailers in remote fields and ensuring that employees are familiar with emergency protocols in case a fire breaks out.

At the same time, the state is experiencing a shortage of first responders.

Roughly 70% of Ohio's 1,200 fire departments rely on volunteer firefighters - a workforce that has shrunk by 6.5% in recent years, even as emergency calls continue to rise. This dual challenge of increased fire risk and decreased response capacity underscores the importance of community preparedness.

Helping bridge that gap, the Ag Safety and Health area at Farm Science Review will offer several interactive opportunities. Fire extinguisher demonstrations will take place daily in the McCormick Building, with a specialized session on farm-related fires scheduled for Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in the Ag Safety Tent. These sessions allow attendees to ask questions specific to their farm setups and get real-time guidance about which type of extinguishers they need in barns, equipment and vehicles.

Visitors can also engage with the Grain C.A.R.T. (Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer), a mobile training unit that replicates the hazards of grain entrapment.

The demonstration highlights how quickly someone can be engulfed by flowing grain, and it educates both farmers and emergency responders on how to prevent accidents and conduct rescues safely. It also covers the health impacts of grain dust and proper use of personal protective equipment like N95 respirators.

Another major program being showcased is the Bovine Emergency Response Plan (BERP).

Although named for cattle, the training applies to all livestock species and equips emergency personnel with the skills needed to manage transportation-related accidents involving animals. Developed by OSU Extension educators, the training emphasizes scene safety, biosecurity and animal handling. A semitrailer on display at Farm Science Review will simulate real-world crash scenarios and will encourage local communities to host similar training sessions.

Just outside Gate C, the Ohio Soybean Association will demonstrate SoyFoam, a soy-based, PFAS-free firefighting foam. While not affiliated with CFAES programming, the demonstration is an example of how agricultural innovation - in this case, supported by soybean checkoff dollars - is contributing to safer firefighting practices and is reducing cancer risks for emergency responders.

Throughout all of this, one message is clear: fire safety isn't just about extinguishing flames; it's about building partnerships.

CFAES aims to strengthen the connections between farmers and fire departments to ensure faster, more coordinated responses when emergencies occur. It's about preparing now, before the situation becomes critical, Jepsen said.

"Our goal is to empower communities to create customized emergency plans and strengthen collaboration between farmers and fire departments," she said. "When farmers and firefighters work as a team, we can better prevent injuries and protect farmland, livestock and lives."

Advance tickets for Farm Science Review are $10 and are available online or at participating Extension offices and agribusinesses. Tickets at the gate are $15. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

For more details including tickets, maps and a full schedule of events, visit fsr.osu.edu.