The cost of farm fires in the South West soared to £19.1 million in 2023, according to new data from NFU Mutual.

It was a rise of 82 per cent compared to 2022.

While the total UK cost exceeded £110 million, a rise of 37 per cent.

Despite a 15 per cent decrease in the number of fire claims involving crops, buildings, and farm equipment, the total cost rose from £80.4 million in 2022 to an estimated £110.3 million in 2023.

The increase is attributed to larger-scale fires, higher values of replacement equipment, and rising costs of building materials and labour.

The main causes of farm fire claims last year were electrical faults, lightning strikes and arson attacks.

The cost of agricultural vehicle fires, recorded separately by NFU Mutual, remained high at an estimated £37.7 million in 2023, driven by an increase in the cost of tractor fire claims to £20.4 million.

Hannah Binns, NFU Mutual rural affairs specialist, said: "A major fire is one of the most devastating things that can happen on a farm.

"As well as putting the lives of farmers and their families at risk, the impact of a fire can disrupt farm businesses for years."

Despite the overall rise, a fall in the cost of combine harvester fires was noted, dropping from £11.1 million in 2022 to an estimated £7.4 million in 2023.

This decrease was attributed to lower summer temperatures and calls from the industry for farmers to install fire suppression systems.

Ms Binns emphasised the importance of having a comprehensive farm fire prevention plan to minimise the risk of a blaze.

She said: "Having good insurance in place with values kept up to date is also vital to cover the cost of new buildings, replacement equipment and lost stored crops."

(Image: NFU Mutual) Farm fire figures varied across the rest of the UK, with cost rises in the North West (up 549 per cent to an estimated £28.8 million), while the East and the South East saw a decrease, down 26.5 per cent and 19.9 per cent respectively.

Louise Nicholls, agricultural vehicle specialist at NFU Mutual, said: "It is incredibly concerning that the cost of agricultural vehicle fires remained high last year despite the lack of extreme high temperatures.

"It is important for all farmers to make sure that plant and vehicles are regularly maintained and checked for wear and damage, particularly to electrical parts and wiring."

NFU Mutual has provided a guide for farm fire safety, advising farmers to have a plan in place, maintain their electrics, suppress the risk, keep on top of housekeeping, and control hot work.

In the event of a fire, they recommend calling the fire and rescue service immediately, making everyone aware of the fire, and evacuating people to a safe location as per the emergency plan.