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Post-Fire Recovery for Farms

After a fire, exhaustion and loss make it hard to decide what to do first. This guide helps you set an order, keep people safe and find official help.

What is the first priority after a fire?

Safety comes before salvage. Do not return until local officials say it is safe, and expect hidden hazards: weakened structures, hot spots, fallen lines, damaged tanks and unstable ground. Take care when walking the property, and keep children away.

If you smell gas, see downed power lines or find anything that looks dangerous, stay back and call 911 or your utility. Do not attempt to restore utilities yourself.

Take someone with you on the first walk-through, tell another person where you are going and keep a phone with you. Wear sturdy boots and gloves, and ask your local authorities or extension office about any special cleanup hazards before you move debris.

How do we handle injured or stressed animals?

Call your large animal veterinarian as early as you can. Burned, smoke-exposed or stressed animals need professional judgment, and your veterinarian may be overwhelmed after a disaster, so patience and clear information help.

Provide safe water and feed from sources you trust, and keep animals away from burned debris, damaged fences and contaminated areas. Ask your veterinarian or extension office about animals that must be euthanized, about disposal of carcasses and about any rules that apply, because those are set by state and local agencies.

How should we document the loss?

Take dated photos and video before cleanup, and keep receipts for emergency costs. Make a list of buildings, equipment, stored feed, livestock and crops affected. This is useful for insurance and for assistance programs.

Contact your insurer early and ask what they need. Policies differ, so ask for explanations in writing rather than assuming what is covered.

Keep originals of important papers safe and give copies to your insurer and agencies only as they request. Never share account numbers or personal details with anyone who contacted you first, and call back using a number you looked up yourself.

• Photograph damage before moving anything
• Keep receipts for hauling, feed, fencing and repairs
• Write down who you spoke with, the date and what was said

What official help might exist?

Government agencies and nonprofits sometimes offer help after disasters, but programs, eligibility and deadlines vary and change. Check Farmers.gov and your local USDA service center for what applies to your situation now, and ask your county emergency office about local aid.

Be careful with anyone who contacts you offering cleanup or repair and asks for money or personal information up front. Use contractors you can verify, and check with your county or state consumer office.

What about soil, water and feed?

Burned ground can erode quickly in rain, and runoff may carry ash into ponds and streams. Ask your county conservation district and extension office about erosion control and about testing water and soil before using them again.

Do not feed damaged or suspect hay or grain until an expert has advised you. Ask your extension office or veterinarian how to evaluate it.

How do we look after ourselves and each other?

Recovery is long, and exhaustion, grief and worry are common. Eat, sleep when you can and accept help. Watch for signs that a family member, worker or neighbor is struggling, especially children.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, in the US you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, and in an emergency call 911. Your doctor, clergy or a local counselor can also help.

What practical steps help the first few days go smoothly?

Make a short list for each day. On the first day, focus on safety, animals and shelter. In the next days, move to utilities, documentation and calls to insurers or agencies. Trying to do everything at once leads to mistakes and exhaustion.

Keep a notebook with names, phone numbers, claim numbers and what was said. When you are tired, written records spare you from retelling the story many times and help prevent errors. Ask a trusted friend or relative to help with calls and paperwork if the load is too heavy.

Take care of basic needs, including food, water, sleep and medications, and make time to check on workers who may have lost belongings or housing. Local churches, farm groups and neighbors often offer help, and accepting it is practical, not weakness.

• Start with safety, animals and shelter
• Keep a single notebook for every call
• Accept help from neighbors and local groups

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