by Alan Quick

FARM animals were rescued from a hay barn at West Newton Farm, Zeal Monachorum, which was involved in fire last night, but at the time of print, which is still burning out.

Three fire crews, from North Tawton, Chulmleigh and Okehampton, were initially called to the blaze at 7.16pm by the farmer reporting one of his barns was on fire, containing hay and animals, but that the animals were being evacuated.

A Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS) spokesman said: “On arrival crews confirmed that smoke and flames were issuing from the barn and there were animals in the lane approaching the farm.

“A short while later the attendance was increased by a further three fire appliances, which were mobilised from Okehampton, Crediton and Hatherleigh, as the fire took hold.

“At 7.38pm the crews confirmed this was a barn containing approximately 500 large bales of hay, which was well alight.

“Efforts were being made to protect surrounding buildings, later confirming that the single storey building, measuring 45 metres by 45 metres, was divided into three barns and it was the middle barn involved in fire.

“The farmer assisted crews by using his tractor to remove as many bales as possible to help with ventilation. However it was later confirmed that a large amount would remain inside and it would be left to burn out under control.”

The fire was still ongoing at midnight and relief crews were called in from Tiverton, Torrington and Moretonhampstead, together with the welfare pod/vehicle from Crediton, providing refreshments etc for crews.

VISIBLE GLOW IN THE SKY

Crews made steady progress during the night, using four sets of breathing apparatus, various water jets, compressed air foam and water supplied by a DSFRS water bowser providing a water shuttle from a local hydrant, into a fire service dam (carried on the water bowser).

Relief crews from North Tawton and Witheridge carried on turning over and damping down the burning material inside and outside the barn during the morning with a hose reel jet as the farmer removed bales to the open using a telehandler.

Throughout the rest of Saturday, this work has continued with hay being removed to open ground and a fire crew damping down, the majority of the hay in the barn being allowed to burn out.

Local residents reported seeing the “visible glow in the sky” from the blaze from many miles away and also the sight and smell of smoke is still travelling some distance.