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Farm Chemical Fire Risks

Fires involving farm chemicals can release harmful smoke and contaminate soil and water. Planning, labels and communication with the fire department matter.

Why are chemical fires special?

Pesticides, fertilizers, fuels and other farm chemicals can burn, react or give off harmful fumes when heated. Smoke can travel far, and firefighting water can carry contaminants into soil and water.

Because of these hazards, responders need to know what is stored where. This article offers general ideas and sends you to official resources.

Some chemical products react with each other or with water, and the label will say so. That is another reason to keep original containers and labels intact.

• Harmful smoke that travels
• Runoff that can contaminate soil and water
• Reactive and incompatible products

What should you read first?

The product label and safety information are the main source for each chemical. They describe hazards, storage needs and what to do in a fire or spill. Keep them where you can find them, and read them before you store or use anything.

The EPA pesticides site and your state agriculture department give official information. Rules for storage and reporting differ by state and county, so ask them.

If a label is missing or unreadable, do not guess. Ask your supplier or state agency how to identify and dispose of the product.

• Product labels
• Safety data sheets from the supplier
• EPA pesticide information
• State agriculture department guidance

How should chemicals be stored?

Follow the label. In general terms, chemicals should be kept in their original, labeled containers, in a dry, secure place away from living areas, animals, feed and water, with controlled access. Some products must not be stored together.

Ask your supplier or state agency about separation of incompatible products. Do not mix products or store them in food containers.

Keep records of what you buy and use, including quantities, so that your list for the fire department matches what is on the shelf.

• Original labeled containers
• Dry, secure and controlled access
• Keep apart from fuel, feed and water
• Do not mix products

How do you reduce ignition risks?

Keep storage free of ignition sources, such as smoking, welding and damaged wiring. Keep it clean and dry, and avoid heat. Do not store chemicals near fuel, hay or machinery.

Check storage regularly for damaged containers, leaks and moisture, and deal with problems safely.

Mark the storage door with a clear sign and keep the key with someone who knows where the list is.

• Clean and dry storage
• No smoking or welding nearby
• Regular checks for leaks and damaged containers

What should you tell the fire department?

Give your fire department a list of chemicals you store, where they are and roughly how much. Update the list each season. Keep a copy somewhere outside the storage, such as the house or an office.

Ask them what format they prefer. Some areas have emergency planning bodies that collect this information, and rules for reporting may apply. Ask your state or county emergency management office.

Review the list whenever you buy or dispose of significant amounts, not only once a year.

• List of chemicals and locations
• Approximate amounts
• Updated each season
• A copy kept outside the storage

What should you do if a fire starts?

Get people away, upwind where you can, and call 911. Tell the dispatcher that chemicals are involved. Do not fight the fire, and do not breathe the smoke. Keep children and animals away.

Stay available to give information to responders. Seek medical advice for anyone who may have been exposed. Poison control can advise by phone.

Do not return to the area until responders say it is safe, even if the fire appears to be out.

• Get people away and upwind
• Call 911 and say chemicals are involved
• Keep children and animals away
• Call poison control for exposure advice

What happens after a fire?

Fire debris, ash and runoff may be contaminated. Do not clean up yourself. Ask your fire department and state environmental or agriculture agency what to do, and keep people and animals away.

Report the event as required, and ask your insurer what is needed. Review your storage and plan to prevent a repeat.

Keep family members informed so that they know not to go near the area after a fire.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.