Blaze rips through stable block

Thursday 22nd March 2007, 10:06AM GMT.

The scene of the blaze near Whitchurch A blaze ripped through a stable block and workshop in the Whitchurch area, destroying about five tonnes of straw as well as equipment.About 14 horses were led to safety from the large single storey building in Ash Road, before the blaze took hold shortly after 6pm yesterday.

More than 20 firefighters were called to the fire, which sent thick smoke – visible about five miles away – billowing into the sky.

Firefighters had concerns as the building’s roof was made of asbestos and a large muck heap, containing around 100 tonnes of horse manure, was also on fire.

Whitchurch sub officer Mike Beach said it was an intense blaze and they were joined by the light pumping unit from Shrewsbury and crews from Prees, Wem and Market Drayton.

He said: “It was a fire in a single storey building which was 22m by 36m and is used as a horse stable, workshop and to store straw and shavings.

“It was a well developed fire when we got there and it involved the straw, the shavings and lots of workshop equipment including a ride on mower and tools.”

The blaze was under control by just after 10pm. An investigation into the cause of the blaze is being carried out.

View more: North Shropshire news.