A BARN containing than 620 tonnes of bailed straw caught light in a massive fire at an Essex barn.
A BARN containing than 620 tonnes of bailed straw caught light in a massive fire at an Essex barn.
Nine fire engines were called to Stokeshall Farm, Burnham Road, Althorne at 9.07pm yesterday when 625 tonnes of straw caught fire.
The barn, measuring 25m x 40m, was well alight when firefighters arrived and they spent the whole night tackling the blaze.
The firefight was hindered by a restricted water supply and fire crews drew water from a nearby pond to help them fight the flames.
Crews were still turning over and damping down, with the help of farmer with a digger, at 12.30pm today.
A fire investigation officer will work with police to establish the cause of the blaze.
A number of asbestos cement sheets were involved in the fire.
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