Fire warning for heat lamps in lambing sheds
Date of alert:
Friday, 22 April 2022
Crime Ref:
Force:
Police Scotland
A firefighting farmer is raising awareness about the dangers of heat lamps in lambing sheds and has urged other farmers to be vigilant to keep people and livestock safe.
Stewart Macpherson helps run Dell Farm in Whitebridge, near Inverness, and is an on-call firefighter with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).
During the busy lambing period, firefighters across the country rush to farms to deal with fires caused by heat lamps.
“The consequences can be tragic, with animals killed, and fire can have a devastating impact on your livelihood,” the farmer said.
Mr Macpherson farms with his wife, Amy, and their busy lambing period is well under way.
“I am well aware of the critical importance of using a heat source to warm a newborn lamb to boost its chance of survival.
“Farmers and crofters will continue to use these devices, but I would urge caution, and for anyone using these heat sources to take simple but hugely effective measures to reduce the risk of fire.”
