Torching Local Efforts to Prevent Barn Fires

AWI has reported extensively on barn fires, which subject hundreds of thousands of animals to horrific deaths each year. To address this problem and increase fire protections for animals on farms, AWI has called on industry groups and government bodies to adopt stronger fire safety standards—particularly the NFPA 150, Fire and Life Safety in Animal Housing Facilities Code developed by the National Fire Protection Association. (See AWI Quarterly, spring 2025.) Unfortunately, rather than working with the agriculture community to implement NFPA 150 standards—including installation of life-saving sprinkler systems—legislators in some states have introduced bills to block local governments from requiring sprinklers in agriculture buildings. Such bills were introduced in Idaho (HB 104), Texas (SB 1948), and Missouri (HB 533). HB 104 sailed through the Idaho Legislature earlier this year and takes effect in July. SB 1948 passed in Texas and, if signed by the governor, will take effect in September. HB 533, fortunately, failed in Missouri. These bills represent a dangerous precedent that puts animal and human lives at risk.

Program Terms: Farmed Animals

AWI Quarterly Terms: Feature Article, Government/Legal