There are no commercial building standards for livestock barns in Saskatchewan, although farmers are encouraged to meet construction standards to protect their own property.

That’s the written response from Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Agriculture when asked about the province’s regulations after a massive barn fire killed 800 cows at the Pennwood Dairy near Steinbach, Manitoba last week. The Ministry says barn fires are infrequent and although having fire suppression systems such as sprinklers are encouraged, they may not prevent catastrophic loss of livestock due to smoke inhalation.

Often, the cause of barn fires is electrical failure. The Ministry urges livestock producers who house animals or poultry in barns that routine maintenance of equipment such as ventilation fans and feed augers is important to prevent a fire that may result in catastrophic loss.

The Winnipeg Humane Society suggests livestock barns should be smaller, have fire evacuation plans, sprinkler systems and fire alarms.