Farm outbuildings alight

Firefighters were called to reports of a fire involving several farm buildings in Little Hallingbury.

On arrival, crews found the fire affecting a large open-sided barn, a wooden outbuilding, and a number of smaller buildings and containers.

Firefighters worked quickly to find a suitable water supply to tackle the fire. To support the effort, two Water Bowsers (large vehicles that carry significant amounts of water) were requested to assist at the scene.

Firefighters worked hard to control the fire and prevent it spreading to the adjacent thatched house, and stable block with a number of horses inside.

*Update 6am* Firefighters at the scene have extinguished the fire. Crews will stay on site for another few hours to completely extinguish remaining hot spots. The cause of the fire is not known.

Station Manage Lee Hurst said:

"This was a challenging incident to bring under control. When the first crews arrived, they were met with a well-developed fire and very limited water supply. Thanks to the support of additional crews and the arrival of water bowsers, we were able to establish a steady water supply and start making good progress.

Crews also had to contend with a number of gas cylinders inside the burning buildings, some of which exploded due to the intense heat.

I’d like to thank our colleagues from other emergency services who supported us at the incident. 

As well as extinguishing the fire, firefighters worked hard to stop it spreading to a nearby thatched cottage and a stable block where horses were kept. The horse were unharmed and their stable was not damaged by the fire"