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Large fire breaks out across several barns at farm

Louise Parry
BBC News, Suffolk
Luke Deal/BBC The back of two large corrugated metal barns partly blackened by smoke. Behind them are large open gazebos and the back of a blue lorry or van.Luke Deal/BBC
Suffolk's fire service said it was "a large and complex incident involving significant hazards"

A "significant" fire has taken place across a number of large barns containing farm machinery and flammable gas cannisters.

More than half a dozen engines were sent to Cherry Tree Farm in Metfield, Suffolk, close to the Norfolk border, after it began at about 01:45 BST.

The site held large quantities of straw bales, a workshop that housed several acetylene cylinders and a 1,000-litre (220-gallon) container of pine oil, with crews safely removing objects where possible.

The blaze has since been scaled down, but Suffolk fire service's group commander Gary Smart said crews were due to remain at the scene until the flames were fully extinguished.

"It was quite a large developing fire that had potential to spread to the standing crops in the next field," he said.

Luke Deal/BBC A series of red and white barns next to a field of wheat, all smouldering or on fire. The barn on the far right has collapsed. There are trees in the background and grey smoke pours upwards. Luke Deal/BBC
The barns were used to store straw bales and agricultural machinery

The scene was initially divided into four sectors, led by senior officers from both Suffolk and Norfolk's fire services.

After crews made good progress containing and surrounding the flames, a fire break was successfully created in the standing crop to the rear of the barns to prevent further spread.

A cordon remains in place due to the ongoing risk of collapse of the unstable building structures and low-level asbestos.

The blaze comes a day after the fire service issued public advice about wildfires, due to the hot conditions.

'Significant hazards'

A fire service spokesperson said: "This has been a large and complex incident involving significant hazards.

"We would like to thank local residents for their patience and support, and we continue to advise the public to avoid the area while operations are ongoing."

Luke Deal/BBC Gary Smart wears a large white helmet with a retracted visor, and brown firefighting jacket. He looks at the camera with a friendly stare and stands in front of a silver car on grass.Luke Deal/BBC
Gary Smart said firefighters' welfare was being looked after in the hot conditions

Mr Smart said the high temperatures had made it tough for his team, so a relief strategy was being implemented to rotate crews throughout the remainder of the day.

"It's difficult for business owners as it's very dry and things can ignite easily," he said.

"It's very difficult for the crews. We make sure they're fully hydrated and have rest periods to release some of the heat that builds up in their uniform."

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