Read heater directions carefully. Don't pile rags and towels in a heap. Early detection and quick response can save lives and property. Barns are airy and filled with combustible materials, so they burn easily and quickly. Response time is so important that many insurance companies consider a building more than five miles from a fire station essentially unprotected.
Smoke detectors are important because many fires smoke and smolder before bursting into flame.
As a general rule, smoke and gases are given off long before the fire begins to heat up the interior air of the barn to the point where a heat detector is activated. Once the fire has been detected, rapid response is essential. Detectors can be connected to the nearest fire-fighting organization for automatic alarm. This can involve automatic dialers or other kinds of message-sending devices. What to do Call the fire department or 911.